In a significant operation targeting individuals associated with Khalistani terrorism, Punjab Police executed search operations on Monday across various locations associated with Lakhbir Singh Landa and his accomplices. This extensive crackdown on elements sympathetic to the Khalistani cause encompassed a total of 48 locations situated in Firozpur and its adjacent areas.
The impetus for this operation stemmed from an earlier incident of extortion involving Landa and his gang members, which unfolded in the Jeera area of Firozpur. During this incident, two masked assailants opened fire on a shopkeeper, heightening concerns about their activities.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA), in a proactive move, had recently offered substantial cash rewards for information leading to the apprehension of key figures, including Lakhbir Singh Landa, Harwinder Singh Sandhu (known as Rinda), and three additional operatives affiliated with the proscribed Khalistani organization, Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).
Specifically, the NIA had announced a monetary incentive of Rs 10 lakh each for the capture of Landa and Rinda, with Rs 5 lakh each for the remaining individuals, namely Parminder Singh Kaira (also known as Pattu), Satnam Singh (also known as Satbir Singh or Satta), and Yadvinder Singh (known as Yadda).
These individuals, including Landa, have outstanding warrants in connection with an NIA case linked to their involvement in terrorist activities aimed at disrupting India's peace and communal harmony, as well as fostering terror within the state of Punjab.
According to an NIA spokesperson, these wanted individuals to stand accused of perpetrating acts of terrorism and engaging in a range of activities, such as procuring funds for BKI, a banned terrorist group, through the illicit smuggling of terrorist equipment and narcotics into Punjab. Additionally, they are known for their extensive extortion campaigns targeting businessmen and prominent individuals.
Furthermore, these individuals are implicated in various cases related to targeted killings within the state, further underscoring the gravity of their alleged involvement in criminal and terrorist activities.
