Gangsters plotting crime in Punjab from safe haven Canada

Tribune News Service

Jupinderjit Singh

Chandigarh, July 24

Seven notorious gangsters, five of them listed in the ‘A’ category, are wanted by the Punjab Police in cases of murder, loot, extortion and kidnapping, but they have been hiding “conveniently” in Canada for several years.

They are reportedly working with radical organisations, which are carrying out terror operations and killings in Punjab, besides making extortion calls.

The police have nominated them as accused in three recent cases — an attack on the Intelligence Headquarters in Mohali on May 9, the Sidhu Moosewala killing on May 29 and Ripudaman Singh Malik’s murder in Surrey, Canada, on July 14.

Of the seven gangsters, the A-listed ones are Lakhbir Singh, alias Landa, wanted in the attack on the Intelligence Headquarters; Goldy Brar, wanted in the Moosewala killing; Charanjit Singh, alias Rinku Randhawa; Arshdeep Singh, alias Arsh Dala; and Ramandeep Singh, alias Raman Judge.

The other two gangsters are Gurpinder Singh, alias Baba Dalla, and Sukhdul Singh, alias Sukha Duneke. Both are uncategorised and wanted in cases of targeted killings.

All seven started out as small-time criminals and, with time, became radicalised gangsters, states the police dossier.

The Indian Government has issued red corner notices (RCN) against four of them, while the process for others is in progress. The extradition proceedings will begin once the Canadian authorities confirm the accused are in their country.

A country issues a lookout circular to security agencies, airports and other transport authorities to “look out for a person wanted in a case”.

An RCN, issued by the Interpol on the request of a country, is a circular to locate worldwide and provisionally arrest an individual pending extradition.

It is essential for starting the extradition proceedings. “Once the RCN is issued, the police confirm the identity and whereabouts of the accused in their country. Once it is established, the extradition proceedings start,” said a senior police official.

The process, however, is slow and gets caught in bureaucratic wrangling and controversies.

Recently, the Punjab Police and the Ministry of Home Affairs sparred over the RCN against Goldy Brar, who claimed the responsibility for Moosewala’s killing.

The Punjab Police claimed the Centre was not reacting fast on the issuance of RCN against gangsters. It said a request regarding Goldy Brar was sent twice — first in November 2021 and then on May 19 this year, 10 days before Moosewala’s murder. The CBI, however, claimed the request was received on May 30, a day after the killing.

Police officials say the Canadian government does not cooperate when it comes to the extradition proceedings. The Jassi honour killing is a case in point. Canada extradited two accused 18 years after the crime.

The officials hope the situation may change now. “Of late, the Canadian government has been facing targeted killings, drug smuggling and gang wars. It is suspected that the seven gangsters and radicals are involved in these incidents. With Canada also bearing the brunt, we are hoping that the authorities there would respond positively to India’s persistent demand for their extradition,” they say.

They are referring to the targeted killing of Ripudaman Singh Malik. The role of radical leader Hardeep Nijjar and gangster Arshdeep Dala is suspected. The Canadian police, in their biggest anti-drug operations last year, had arrested more than 20 Punjabi-origin drug smugglers-cum-gangsters.

On police list, hiding offshore

‘A’ category, radicalised gangsters

Satwinderjit Singh, alias Goldy Brar

Native: Adesh Nagar, Muktsar

Allegations

• Involved in the murders of Sidhu Moosewala and Youth Congress leader Gurlal Pehalwan
• Provided support in the form of finances, weapons, hideouts and vehicles used in criminal activities
• Wanted for murder, targeted killings, extortion, terrorist activities punishable under the UAPA, and drugs and weapons trafficking

Lookout Circular: Yes, in January and May 2021

Red Corner Notice: Yes, after Moosewala’s murder

Went to Canada on study visa

Arshdeep Singh, alias Arsh Dala

Native: Dala village, Moga district

Allegations

• He is wanted for the murder of Ripudaman Singh Malik
• Expert in radicalisation of youth in association with wanted terrorist Hardeep Nijjar
• Sends money to gangsters and terror operatives in Punjab

Lookout Circular: Yes (April 1, 2021, by Moga police and May 27, 2021, by Faridkot police)

Red Corner Notice: No. Reminder sent to the Indian Government on November 12, 2021

PR holder; residing in British Columbia (BC)

Ramandeep Singh, alias Raman Judge

Native: Baba Ram Lal Nagar, Ferozepur

Allegations

• He is the brother of jailed gangster Gagandeep Singh of the Jaipal Bhullar gang
• Radicalised youth and lured them to carry out targeted killings
• Arranged finances and weapons for the murder of a dera follower in 2020 and attack on a priest in Phillaur in 2021

Lookout Circular: Yes, on April 1, 2021

Red Corner Notice: No. Reminder sent on November 12, 2011; investigation transferred to the NIA

Went on study visa; residing in BC

Charanjit Singh, alias Rinku Randhawa

Native: Bihla village, Barnala district

Allegations

• He is wanted for murder, extortion, murder bid and targeted killings
• An aide of gangster Arshdeep Singh, helps criminals flee Punjab
• Arranged finances and weapons for the murder of a dera follower in 2020 and attack on a priest in Phillaur in 2021

Lookout Circular: Opened through the Moga police on June 10, 2021

Red Corner Notice: No. Last reminder to the Indian govt on Nov 12, 2021; probe transferred to the NIA

Passport obtained on fake particulars

Lakhbir Singh, alias Landa

Native: Harike, Tarn Taran

Allegations

• Accused in a case related to an attack on Intel Headquarters
• Associate of notorious gangsters Daya Singh, alias Preet Sekhon, and Tajinder, alias Teja
• Made extortion calls to doctors, businessmen, actors and developers in Punjab

Lookout Circular: Yes | Red Corner Notice: No

No info on how he went to Canada

Uncategorised gangsters

Gurpinder Singh, alias Baba Dalla

Native: Dalla village, Ludhiana district

Allegations

• He owned a motor workshop in Badni Kalan village; got involved in petty disputes and became a prominent member of the Sukhpreet Budda gang
• Had uploaded a post that Budda will kill sacrilege accused Mahidnerpal Singh in Nabha jail; he was later killed

Lookout Circular: No

Red Corner Notice: No

Went on visitor’s visa; residing in BC

Sukhdul Singh, alias Sukha Duneke

Native: Duneke village, Moga district

Allegations

• He, along with gangster Lucky Patyal (who is in Armenia), is handling the activities of the Bambiha gang from abroad
• Wanted for murder, aiding the escape of prisoners, causing hurt by dangerous weapons, rioting and criminal intimidation

Lookout Circular: Yes, on December 9, 2021

Red Corner Notice: Under process

Went on visitor’s visa; residing in Ontario

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