Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill, popularly known as Arsh Dalla, has been granted bail in Canada on a $30,000 surety bond. Dalla, the acting chief of the Khalistani Tiger Force (KTF), is wanted in India for his involvement in over 50 criminal cases, including murder, extortion, and terror financing. His release comes as the Indian government intensifies its efforts to secure his extradition.
The next hearing in his case is scheduled for February 24, 2025.
Dalla was arrested in late October 2023 in Milton, Ontario, for his suspected involvement in an armed confrontation. Since then, Indian authorities have been actively pushing for his extradition. Last month, the Ministry of External Affairs acknowledged his arrest and reaffirmed its commitment to bring him back to face justice in India. This follows an earlier request made by the Indian government in July 2023 for his provisional arrest.
Arsh Dalla’s Criminal Background
Originally from Dala village in Punjab’s Moga district, Dalla began his criminal activities as a local gangster. After relocating to Canada in 2020 on a study visa, he rose to prominence in the Khalistani separatist movement, eventually taking over as the leader of the KTF following Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s assassination in 2022. India designated Dalla as a “proclaimed offender” and issued a red corner notice against him in May 2022. In January 2023, he was officially labeled as an “individual terrorist” under Indian anti-terrorism laws.
Dalla’s criminal record spans over 50 cases, including charges of murder, attempted murder, terrorism, and financial support for terrorist activities. High-profile cases linked to him include targeted attacks on political figures like Balli and Manohar Lal, a member of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reported that Dalla holds an Indian passport issued in Jalandhar in 2017, valid until 2027. He currently resides in Surrey, British Columbia, with his wife and minor daughter.
Social Media and Recruitment Activities
According to sources, Dalla has been leveraging social media platforms to expand his terror network. His recruitment activities target young individuals from Punjab and Haryana, encouraging them to join the Khalistani cause. This online approach has raised alarms in Indian intelligence circles, as it facilitates the spread of extremist ideologies and strengthens separatist movements abroad.
India’s Continued Push for Extradition
The Indian government has been steadfast in its efforts to bring Dalla to justice. In addition to the July 2023 request for his provisional arrest, officials have been working through diplomatic channels to expedite the extradition process. However, Canada’s legal system and policies on extradition have presented challenges, particularly in cases involving individuals associated with the Khalistani separatist movement.
Despite these obstacles, Indian authorities remain determined. Speaking on the matter, a senior Indian official stated, “We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that individuals involved in acts of terrorism face the full extent of the law. Arsh Dalla’s case is a priority.”
As the next court hearing approaches in February 2025, the case remains a focal point of Indo-Canadian relations. For India, securing Dalla’s extradition is not just a matter of justice but also a step toward combating the Khalistani separatist network, which continues to threaten its sovereignty and internal security.