Canadian law enforcement recently apprehended Arshdeep Singh, widely known as Arsh Dalla, a high-profile Khalistani terrorist and one of India’s most-wanted criminals. Dalla was taken into custody after a shootout in the town of Milton on October 27 or 28, according to sources in Indian security agencies who have received details on his arrest. His capture represents a significant development, given Dalla’s extensive criminal record and his suspected role in orchestrating a series of violent activities in Punjab while residing in Canada.
Dalla, who is regarded as the successor to slain Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, had been leading the Khalistani Tiger Force (KTF), a terrorist organization operating with alleged links to organized criminal networks. His leadership role placed him under intense scrutiny from Indian intelligence agencies, which have documented his involvement in targeted killings, extortion, and armed smuggling activities for nearly four years. Despite being based in Canada with his wife, Dalla is alleged to have maintained a network of operatives within Punjab, coordinating attacks and leveraging social media to spread pro-Khalistan ideology and communicate with associates.
One of the most publicized crimes linked to Dalla occurred in September when he claimed responsibility for the murder of Congress leader Baljinder Singh Balli, who was killed at his residence in Moga, Punjab. Dalla alleged that Balli had destroyed his life, pushing him into a life of crime and gang activity, and blamed Balli for the detention of his mother by police, which he claimed motivated his desire for revenge. The killing of Balli, a high-profile political figure, brought renewed focus to Dalla’s activities in Canada and further fueled calls for Canadian authorities to address the threat posed by Khalistani extremists.
Following Balli's murder, Indian authorities intensified efforts to dismantle Dalla’s criminal infrastructure in Punjab. Punjab Police successfully uncovered several terror modules linked to him, arresting several of his close aides and seizing arms, ammunition, and explosive devices, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and hand grenades. These efforts were intended to disrupt the supply of weapons allegedly funded and coordinated by Dalla, who was managing these operations from abroad.
The arrest of Dalla comes amid escalating tensions between India and Canada, as both nations grapple with diplomatic strains surrounding Khalistani extremism. Just days before Dalla's arrest, a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario, was desecrated in an attack believed to be orchestrated by pro-Khalistan supporters. The incident drew widespread condemnation from the Indian government, which urged Canada to take strong action against those responsible for promoting anti-India sentiments and targeting Indian-origin communities. Indian Hindu groups in Canada staged protests following the attack, demanding accountability and justice for acts of religious intolerance. India’s Ministry of External Affairs released a statement urging Canadian authorities to prosecute those involved, underscoring the Indian government's concern over growing Khalistani-linked violence on Canadian soil.
These developments have further complicated India-Canada relations, which have already been strained since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested the potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in September. Trudeau’s remarks were strongly denounced by India, with Indian officials categorically denying any role in Nijjar's death and emphasizing their commitment to countering terrorism. India has also urged Canada to crack down on Khalistani groups that, it argues, operate freely within Canadian borders, threatening peace in Punjab and the broader Indian community.
Indian authorities are now closely monitoring Dalla's legal proceedings in Canada, with hopes of further cooperation in tackling the broader network of Khalistani extremists involved in activities in India. Dalla is listed as a “most wanted” terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA), which has been gathering intelligence on his operations and coordinating with international agencies to bring him to justice. With Dalla’s arrest, the NIA expects progress in understanding the extent of the Khalistani Tiger Force’s influence in Punjab and hopes to prevent future incidents by dismantling his network. In light of recent attacks and diplomatic tensions, the NIA is also intensifying efforts to track and dismantle similar operations orchestrated by Khalistani figures in North America, who are suspected of using foreign locations as safe havens for anti-India activities.
Dalla’s detention is a significant step in India’s long-standing battle against Khalistani terrorism, which has evolved into a complex transnational issue involving operatives stationed in countries like Canada. Indian authorities view this arrest as an opportunity to curb the influence of pro-Khalistan groups, particularly those leveraging international networks and social media to promote separatist ideologies. The broader hope is that Dalla’s arrest could signal stronger international cooperation on security issues, as Indian officials aim to prevent Khalistani extremists from gaining traction within India and on foreign soil.
