New Delhi: In a major operation targeting a network of terrorists, gangsters, and drug smugglers, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted simultaneous raids across multiple states.
They detained several suspects associated with the "listed terrorist" Arsh Dalla, who is based in Canada, along with other notorious gangsters.
A total of 53 locations were raided across Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Chandigarh. During these operations, pistols, ammunition, digital devices, and incriminating materials were seized.
Apart from Arsh Dalla, the NIA also focused on individuals like Lawrence Bishnoi, Sukha Duneke, Harry Maur, Narender alias Lali, Kala Jatheri, and Deepak Tinu, who were involved in these activities.
The NIA officials stated that these raids aimed to disrupt the connection between terrorists, gangsters, and drug smugglers, as well as to target weapon suppliers, financiers, and logistics providers linked to various criminal groups. These groups have been collaborating with drug smugglers and terrorists from countries like Pakistan, UAE, Canada, Portugal, and more.
The locations of the raids included various districts in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi-NCR, and Chandigarh.
This operation marked the seventh in a series of crackdowns initiated by the NIA since August 2022, following the registration of five cases. These cases involve conspiracies related to targeted killings, terror funding for pro-Khalistan outfits, extortion, and the involvement of gangsters operating from foreign countries.
The NIA's investigations have revealed that these conspiracies were planned within jails across different states and executed by an organised network of operatives based abroad. Notable incidents include the high-profile killings of individuals such as Maharashtra builder Sanjay Biyani, mining trader Mehal Singh, and international Kabaddi player Sandeep Nangal Ambia in Punjab.
Many of these criminals and gangsters who once led criminal organisations in India have fled abroad in recent years and continue to engage in criminal activities related to terror and violence from overseas.
These groups are involved in serious crimes like contract killings, revenge killings, fundraising for attacks, drug and weapon smuggling, hawala transactions, and extortions. The focus on these criminal networks has intensified following reports of prisons becoming hubs for criminal activities and gang wars.
The NIA has previously conducted raids at over 370 locations, resulting in the seizure of arms, ammunition, bank accounts, properties, digital devices, documents, and vehicles. Additionally, absconders have been declared as designated individual terrorists, and accused individuals have been declared as "Proclaimed Offenders" with Red Corner Notices issued against others.
The NIA continues its efforts to dismantle these networks involved in terror, violence, and extortion, along with their funding and support infrastructure.
