The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced that India will pursue the extradition of Arsh Singh Gill, commonly known as Arsh Dalla, following his arrest in Canada on November 10. Dalla, 27, a designated terrorist and proclaimed offender, is considered the de facto chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). He has been implicated in over 50 criminal cases, including murder, attempted murder, extortion, and terrorism-related activities such as terror financing.
MEA Statement on Arsh Dalla’s Arrest
Addressing media inquiries, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated on Thursday, “We have seen media reports circulating since November 10 regarding the arrest of proclaimed offender Arsh Singh Gill, alias Arsh Dalla. Canadian print and visual media have widely reported on his arrest, and we understand that the Ontario Court has listed the case for a hearing.” Jaiswal emphasized that Indian authorities are hopeful about his extradition or deportation, given his extensive criminal record and the nature of his offenses.
Previous Diplomatic Efforts to Secure Dalla’s Custody
This arrest follows a series of diplomatic efforts by Indian agencies to secure Dalla’s custody. In May 2022, India issued a Red Corner Notice through Interpol against Dalla, aiming to apprehend him on charges of terrorism. Subsequently, in July 2023, the Government of India formally requested Dalla’s provisional arrest from the Canadian authorities. This request, however, was declined by the Canadian government at the time. The Indian authorities also submitted a separate request under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) to verify Dalla’s suspected residential address, his financial transactions to India, moveable and immovable properties, and details of his mobile numbers. These details were provided to Canadian authorities in January 2023.
Canada’s Request for Additional Information
In December 2023, the Department of Justice in Canada sought additional information on the case, which the Indian authorities responded to in March 2024. With Dalla’s recent arrest, the MEA spokesperson confirmed that Indian agencies would intensify their efforts to follow up on the extradition request. “Given Arsh Dalla’s criminal record in India and his involvement in similar illegal activities in Canada, it is expected that he will be extradited or deported to face justice in India,” the spokesperson said.
Dalla’s Arrest Linked to Shooting Incident
Dalla’s arrest in Canada stemmed from his involvement in a shooting incident in Milton, Ontario, which took place last month. According to sources, Dalla’s role in various illegal activities has raised significant concerns in both India and Canada. He initially began his criminal career as a local gangster in Moga, Punjab, before fleeing to Canada in 2018. Once in Canada, Dalla came into contact with Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force, and started collaborating with him. Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail has described Dalla as a plumber in Surrey, British Columbia, who frequented the Guru Nanak Darbar gurdwara, where Nijjar served as president.
Formation of Terrorist Gang in Punjab
In India, Dalla was accused of creating a “terrorist gang” by utilizing his network in Punjab. According to a chargesheet filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in July 2023, Dalla and Nijjar coordinated to raise funds through extortion and targeted killings of businessmen and leaders from specific communities in Punjab. Dalla’s activities have continued to garner attention in Canada, where he has reportedly remained active in his illegal dealings.
Conflict with Lawrence Bishnoi Gang
Furthermore, sources within the NIA, which has been issuing Red Corner Notices against Dalla’s gang members, indicated a growing conflict between Dalla’s faction and the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. This rivalry appears to have escalated in December 2023, with several Indian-origin business owners in Canada reporting extortion calls and threats linked to Dalla’s gang.
Funding KTF’s Terror Activities
Originally from Dala village in Moga, Punjab, Dalla has also been accused of conspiring with other gang members to fund the KTF’s terror activities through killings and extortion. Financial records from wire transfers, as well as WhatsApp messages submitted to the NIA court, reveal that Dalla and his wife transferred large sums of money to individuals allegedly involved in an extortion and weapons smuggling network.
Significance of Dalla’s Arrest
The arrest of Dalla is a significant development in India’s ongoing efforts to combat the activities of the Khalistan Tiger Force and its associates. The MEA spokesperson reiterated that India expects Canada to cooperate in bringing Dalla to justice, emphasizing the need for strong bilateral collaboration in countering terrorism and organized crime.
India’s Extradition Efforts Moving Forward
“Our agencies will be following up on an extradition request in light of this arrest. It is imperative for such criminals to face justice in the jurisdiction where they have committed heinous crimes,” Jaiswal added.
Legal Proceedings in Ontario Court
As the Ontario Court prepares for the hearing, Indian officials are hopeful that the legal process will lead to Dalla’s extradition, ensuring accountability for the numerous criminal charges against him. This move is seen as part of India’s larger push to bring to justice those involved in cross-border terrorism and to curb the growing influence of organized crime syndicates abroad.