Punjab's Most Wanted Seek Refuge in Canada: Goldy Brar to Landa

As bilateral relations between New Delhi and Ottawa take a sharp downturn, the spotlight has refocused on the rise of anti-India extremist activities within Canada. Here are the Punjab's most wanted who flee to Canada to seek refuge:

The Elusive Mastermind: Goldy Brar

Just four years ago, Satinderjeet Singh, also known as Goldy Brar (29), was merely a college dropout with a history of minor run-ins with the law in Punjab. After relocating to Canada in 2019, Brar's criminal trajectory took a drastic turn. He swiftly ascended the ranks of organized crime, evolving from being Punjab Police's most-wanted individual to featuring on both India and Canada's most-wanted lists.

Brar now faces charges ranging from murder and criminal conspiracy to the supply of illegal firearms and attempted murder, with more than 20 cases in Punjab alone. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also linked him to two cases related to a terror gang network. Currently, Brar occupies the 15th spot on Canada's list of 25 most-wanted fugitives.

Hailing from Mukstar in the Malwa region and the son of a former policeman, Brar faced his first legal entanglement at age 18. He moved to Canada ostensibly for studies, holding a student visa, and was acquitted of all four cases in Punjab related to pre-2019 clashes between rival groups. However, his life took a darker turn after relocating abroad. Brar became deeply involved in extortion rackets and contract killings, emerging as an active member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, working under the direction of a jailed gangster. His criminal activities became more pronounced in February 2021, with his involvement in the murder of a Youth Congress leader in Faridkot. Since then, Brar has continued to mastermind heinous crimes, including the high-profile killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.

Beyond masterminding crimes, Brar provided active support to his associates, offering financial resources, weapons, safe havens, and vehicles for criminal operations. Last year, Interpol issued a red corner notice against him, yet Brar reportedly relocated to the United States, evading Indian agencies.

Brar gained national attention after taking responsibility for the sensational murder of Moosewala in May 2023, allegedly motivated by a desire for vengeance in the wake of another student leader's death.

Lakhbir Singh Alias Landa: RPG Attacks in Punjab

Lakhbir Singh Sandhu, known as Landa (34), a former gangster, has transformed into a terrorist in league with wanted Pakistan-based gangster-turned-terrorist Harvinder Singh, alias Rinda. He is associated with the pro-Khalistan terror organization Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). Punjab Police has identified him in two rocket-propelled grenades (RPG) attack cases, including those at Sarhali police station and Punjab Police's intelligence headquarters in Mohali.

Landa's criminal history includes 18 cases, ranging from murder to drug smuggling, across various districts in Punjab. The most recent case against him was registered in Moga in May 2016, shortly before he fled to Canada.

Although inactive between 2016 and 2020, Landa resurfaced prominently in May 2021, linked to a high-profile double murder case in Patti. Punjab Police has secured a red corner notice against him, but he remains active and continues to recruit gang members.

Arsh Dalla: KTF Operative with 35 FIRs

Arshdeep Singh Gill, known as Arsh Dalla, was designated an 'individual terrorist' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) by the Indian government in January. He is associated with the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and serves as an operative on behalf of the outfit's slain chief, Nijjar. Dalla is known for fundraising, providing logistical support to gangsters and terror groups, and carrying out criminal activities, including contract killings.

Facing 35 FIRs, Dalla was embroiled in six criminal cases in Punjab before leaving the country in 2018, first on a visitor visa to Canada and later obtaining permanent residency based on this passport. Abroad, he became involved in terror activities, and cross-border drug and weapon smuggling, and was wanted in 29 cases in Punjab, including five murders. The NIA has linked him to two cases involving the terror-gangster network. An Interpol red corner notice is pending.

Raman Judge: KTF Recruiter with Pending Warrants

Ramandeep Singh, also known as Raman Judge, is an alleged operative of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) involved in targeted killings and terror activities in Punjab. Judge moved to Canada in 2017 on a visitor visa, initially without any prior criminal charges against him. However, he is now a proclaimed offender in a case related to KTF's terror activities, with more than 10 criminal cases registered against him. He is believed to reside in British Columbia, Canada, and his activities involve radicalization and recruitment of youth for targeted killings.

In November 2020, Judge was implicated in a high-profile double murder case involving a Dera Sacha Sauda follower in Bathinda. He is also wanted and accused of arranging finances and weapons for the murder of a Dera follower and an attack on a priest in Phillaur in 2021. While a lookout notice has been issued, an open-dated warrant is pending in several cases.

Satnam Singh Satta: RPG Attack Suspect

Satnam Singh alias Satta (26) hails from Tarn Taran and is a close associate of Lakhbir Singh alias Landa, linked to two RPG attacks and an explosives-related case. Wanted Satta reportedly moved to Canada from Portugal recently. He has been facing about 10 criminal cases, including murder and attempted murder, and is co-accused with Landa in some instances, such as the RPG attack on Sarhali police station and a case involving an improvised explosive device (IED) found beneath a sub-inspector's car in Amritsar. Satta left India in 2019, and the process for issuing a red corner notice (RCN) against him through Interpol is ongoing.

These fugitives have sought refuge in Canada, posing a significant challenge to Indian law enforcement agencies. Their continued activities have raised concerns and spotlighted the complex issue of extradition and international cooperation in tackling transnational organized crime and terrorism.

Also Read:  Biden Discusses Nijjar’s Murder in Canada with PM Modi During G20 Meeting: Report

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