From the world of cinema to the Canadian Premier League, Khalistani separatist figures had vested interests in a multitude of high-profile endeavors. Startlingly substantial sums of money were also allocated towards the acquisition of opulent yachts within the Canadian territory, a revelation unveiled during a thorough investigation.
Against the backdrop of the persistent strains in diplomatic relations between Canada and India, primarily stemming from concerns related to Khalistani extremist activities, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has meticulously exposed the intricate web of investments meticulously cultivated by Khalistani leaders established in Canada.
Spanning across various sectors, ranging from the film industry to the esteemed Canadian Premier League, these Khalistani separatists harbored substantial financial stakes. The investigation into this financial ecosystem, now available for scrutiny through India Today's access to the NIA's comprehensive chargesheet, sheds light on 13 distinct instances occurring between the years 2019 and 2021. During these episodes, considerable sums of money, ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 60 lakh, were surreptitiously channeled from India to destinations like Canada and Thailand via the clandestine hawala network.
At the epicenter of this intricate financial labyrinth stood the notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who reportedly orchestrated the complex web of monetary transfers. Operating in close collaboration with Khalistani factions, particularly the prominent Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) leader Lakhbir Singh Landa, Bishnoi played a pivotal role in orchestrating the financial machinations that fueled their radical pursuits.
According to the NIA chargesheet, "The funds amassed through illicit means, including extortion, illegal liquor trade, and arms smuggling, were dispatched via hawala to Satwinderjeet Singh, also known as Goldy Brar, and one Satbir Singh, alias Sam, residing in Canada. These funds were earmarked for further investment and to finance the radical activities of pro-Khalistan elements (PKEs)."
In this financial narrative, Satbir Singh, known as Sam, emerges as the central figure responsible for managing these illicit funds in Canada. His investments encompassed a wide spectrum, from the acquisition of luxurious yachts to bankrolling film projects and even facilitating the organization of the Canadian Premier League within Canadian borders. Additionally, Bishnoi, who is currently incarcerated, confessed to receiving funds from Sam on multiple occasions.
Beyond Canada's shores, these illegal investments and financial transactions also extended their reach to Thailand, originating from India. The NIA delineates this complex trail, stating, "The funds amassed by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang through means such as extortion, illegal liquor trade, and arms smuggling, were funneled to a certain Manish Bhandari in Thailand through the hawala channel. This transfer was facilitated by gangster Virendra Pratap, alias Kala Rana, along with his father Joginder Singh, and Rajkumar, known as Raju Basodi. These funds were intended for further investment in nightclubs and bars."
The NIA further elucidates, "Whenever a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang traveled to Thailand, Bhandari extended accommodations and logistical support to them."
The sheer magnitude of these financial operations underscores the vast network of resources that sustain Khalistani activities. It serves as a clarion call for concerted efforts to disrupt their intricate financial infrastructure.
The exhaustive chargesheet filed by the NIA at the Patiala House Court in March of this year laid bare a conspiracy meticulously woven by a criminal syndicate comprising individuals from both India and abroad.
The roster of individuals implicated in the chargesheet is extensive and includes names such as Lawrence Bishnoi, Jagdeep Singh, alias Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, Sandeep, alias Kala Jatheri, Virender Pratap, alias Kala Rana, Joginder Singh, Rajesh Kumar, alias Raju Mota, Raj Kumar, alias Raju Basodi, Anil Chippi, Naresh Yadav, alias Naresh Sethi, alias Seth, Mohammad Shahbaz Ansari, alias Shahbaz Ansari, alias Shehzad, Satinderjit Singh, alias Satwinder, alias Goldy Brar, Sachin Thapan, alias Sachin Thapan Bishnoi, Anmol Bishnoi, alias Bhanu, and Vikramjit Singh, alias Vikram Brar, alongside their associates.
These individuals have been accused of both mobilizing funds and recruiting young individuals to execute acts of terrorism not only within Delhi but also in other regions of India.
