In a recent development, Indian intelligence agencies have brought attention to Arshdeep Singh, also known as Arsh Dala, a 27-year-old pro-Khalistani figure based in Canada. This revelation comes amidst an ongoing debate over unverified claims of Indian operatives’ involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated Khalistani terrorist in Canada. Arsh Dala’s profile sheds light on his background, associations with extremist groups, criminal activities, and alleged involvement in acts of violence.
Arsh Dala originally hails from Dalla village in the Moga district of Punjab, India. He is known to be associated with extremist organizations such as the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF). Additionally, he has connections with the notorious Canadian gangster Goldy Brar. Arsh Dala, who resides in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, holds a passport issued by the Regional Passport Office in Jalandhar, which is valid from September 1, 2017, until August 31, 2027.
What is particularly concerning is Arsh Dala’s involvement in various organized criminal activities, especially in recent years. He became active in 2020 and has been implicated in terror funding, the establishment of terror modules, coordination of weapon supplies from across the border, and the planning of specific murders across Punjab. According to intelligence agencies, Arsh Dala’s record of involvement in violent activities surpasses that of the assassinated KTF leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Some specific cases linked to Arsh Dala’s alleged activities include his collaboration with Nijjar in forming a three-member KTF module responsible for the killing of Tejinder, also known as Pinka, the proprietor of Sunshine Clothes Store in Moga in 2021. Furthermore, he is believed to have planned an attack on a Hindu priest, Pragya Gyan Muni, in Phillaur, Jalandhar, in January 2021.
Arsh Dala’s involvement extends to multiple murders, including that of Manohar Lal, a disciple of Dera Sacha Sauda, in Bathinda in November 2020. He also claimed responsibility for the murder of Sukhpreet Singh, a deceased criminal.
Collaborating with gangster Bikram Brar and Canada-based Goldy Brar in 2021, Arsh Dala formed a four-member KTF module with the mission of targeting specific individuals. Additionally, he planned attacks on police officials, collaborating with Nijjar in January 2022 to establish a four-member KTF module with plans to target Harmanbir Singh Gill, SSP of Moga, and two inspectors of the crime investigation agency (CIA) wing in Moga.
Arsh Dala’s alleged involvement in extremist activities underscores the challenges posed by pro-Khalistani elements in Canada and the pressing need for international cooperation to address these issues effectively.
