India-Designated Arsh Dalla Arrested in Canada After Milton Shooting
Toronto, Canada – In a significant development in the cross-border crackdown on Khalistani extremist networks, Arshdeep Singh Gill, also known as Arsh Dalla, an Indian-designated terrorist, has reportedly been arrested in Ontario, Canada. Sources revealed on Sunday that Dalla was one of two individuals detained following a shooting incident in Milton, Ontario, on October 28. The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) disclosed that two men were taken into custody, though they refrained from confirming the identities of those arrested. It is widely speculated that one of the suspects is Arsh Dalla, a high-profile figure linked to the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF).
The incident and subsequent arrest mark a notable turn in the ongoing efforts to curtail the activities of designated terror operatives operating from overseas. The HRPS continues to investigate the October 28 shooting and has charged both suspects with “Discharging a Firearm with Intent,” while holding them pending a bail hearing.
Details of the Arrest in Ontario
The shooting incident in Milton involved two men arriving at a Guelph hospital in the early hours of October 28, where one was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. According to HRPS, the hospital visit alerted law enforcement, leading to the arrest of both individuals. While the Halton police have not disclosed their identities, sources in India have linked one of the detained men to Arsh Dalla, who is known for orchestrating terror activities on behalf of the KTF. A resident of Surrey, British Columbia, and originally from Punjab, Dalla’s name has long been associated with terrorism and organized crime.
The HRPS has announced that a 25-year-old man from Halton Hills and a 28-year-old man from Surrey, BC, have been charged with the intent to discharge a firearm. Both individuals are currently detained as the investigation proceeds, and a court hearing is anticipated shortly to decide subsequent steps.”
Arshdeep Singh Gill, commonly referred to as Arsh Dalla, has a long-standing reputation within law enforcement circles in India due to his alleged involvement in a spectrum of criminal and terror activities across Punjab. The Indian government designated Dalla as a terrorist in January 2023 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) due to his alleged connections with cross-border terror financing, targeted killings, and extortion schemes. He is also accused of being a significant figure in the smuggling of drugs and arms into India, purportedly funding and supporting various anti-India activities from abroad.
The Union Home Ministry’s notification stated that Dalla’s operations posed a clear threat to public safety and stability in Punjab. “He is involved in disturbing communal harmony, creating fear among the people, and engaging in terrorism on a large scale,” The notification stated that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in India was closely monitoring Dalla’s terror links.
Dalla’s association with the Khalistan Tiger Force, a banned separatist organization advocating for a separate Khalistan state, has been well-documented. The KTF has been linked to various attacks in India, primarily targeting those opposed to the Khalistani movement. With his designation as a terrorist under the UAPA, Dalla’s name was added to a list of individuals considered to be direct threats to India’s national security.
Arrest of Dalla’s Associates in Punjab
As news of Dalla’s possible detention in Canada broke, the Punjab Police made significant strides in dismantling his gang’s local network in India. On Sunday, Punjab Police announced the arrest of two suspected shooters linked to Dalla’s organization. The individuals, identified as Anmolpreet Singh, alias Vishal, and Navjot Singh, alias Neetu, were apprehended in a joint operation led by Punjab’s State Special Operation Cell, the Anti-Gangster Task Force, and the Faridkot Police. The duo is alleged to have been involved in the killing of a Sikh activist in Punjab last month, a crime believed to have been ordered by Dalla.
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav stated that the arrests were a result of extensive tracking and intelligence gathering. He emphasized that the Punjab Police would continue its crackdown on organized crime and terror networks operating under Dalla’s influence. “These arrests mark a significant success in curbing the gang and terror activities orchestrated by Dalla’s network within Punjab,” Yadav remarked, adding that efforts to dismantle cross-border terror financing networks are ongoing.
Cross-Border Smuggling and Terror Operations
Dalla’s alleged involvement in cross-border smuggling activities underscores the broader issue of narcotics and weapons trafficking in Punjab, which has faced a surge in such activities over recent years. India’s intelligence agencies have repeatedly highlighted the role of overseas-based operatives like Dalla in using illicit money flows to finance violent incidents, extort money, and propagate terror-related propaganda.
The KTF, under figures like Dalla, is believed to receive support and arms from sympathizers across the border in Pakistan. These networks use sophisticated smuggling routes to move contraband into India, contributing to security challenges in Punjab and neighboring states. According to NIA sources, Dalla has been implicated in multiple cases involving smuggling rings that span continents, from Canada and the United States to Pakistan and the Middle East.
Arsh Dalla’s possible arrest raises important questions about Canada’s approach to handling alleged extremists and those linked to banned organizations in India. Canada has often been criticized by Indian authorities for not taking stronger measures against individuals linked to separatist movements, particularly the pro-Khalistan networks that have seen support within the Canadian diaspora. Recent incidents, including protests outside Indian consulates and tensions over alleged extremist activities, have strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada.
The Canadian government has reiterated its commitment to addressing criminal elements within its borders, with law enforcement agencies reportedly coordinating with Indian authorities on cases involving terrorism and organized crime. Should Dalla’s identity be confirmed, it would mark a significant step in Canada’s efforts to counter the influence of overseas-based terror networks impacting India’s security landscape.
If confirmed, Dalla’s arrest could signal a turning point in India-Canada cooperation on counter-terrorism, potentially opening avenues for collaboration in intelligence sharing and extradition protocols. The arrest also aligns with Canada’s recent steps to curb extremism and organized crime, with Canadian law enforcement appearing more responsive to India’s security concerns.
India’s focus remains on pressing Canada for stronger action against individuals involved in separatist activities on Canadian soil. As Dalla’s case unfolds, authorities in both countries will closely monitor the investigation’s outcomes, with potential implications for Canada’s policies on dealing with figures connected to banned entities like the Khalistan Tiger Force.
For India, Dalla arrest—if confirmed—would be a significant success in the global fight against terrorism and separatism. It could also serve as a deterrent to other overseas operatives involved in anti-India activities, especially in nations with significant Indian diaspora populations.
The developments surrounding Arsh Dalla’s alleged arrest in Ontario highlight the intricate nature of global terrorism and the necessity for international cooperation in addressing such threats. As investigations continue, both Canadian and Indian authorities face the opportunity to work collaboratively, addressing not only terrorism but also the networks that enable terror financing, arms trafficking, and organized crime across borders.
India’s insistence on the accountability of overseas-based operatives reflects a firm stance against terrorism and highlights the nation’s call for a united global approach to dismantling terror networks. For Canada, dealing with cases like Dalla’s offers a chance to strengthen its image as a committed partner in the global fight against terrorism and separatism. As the world watches, the outcome of this case may well shape the future of India-Canada relations in the sphere of counter-terrorism and beyond.
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