Canada-based Khalistani terrorist Arsh Dalla linked to LeT: Report
What's the story
Alleged Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Dalla alias Arsh Dalla (27), based in Canada, has links to Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), reported NDTV, citing sources.
The report also said Dalla wanted to target Hindu leaders in Punjab.
India's security agencies earlier suspected Dalla to have collaborated with Hardeep Singh Nijjar to murder Dera Sacha Sauda follower Manohar Lal, killed in his office in 2021.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The claims assume significance in the backdrop of bilateral relations between India and Canada nosediving over Khalistani elements.
Canada has accused India of killing Nijjar on Canadian soil, while India has accused Canada of providing haven to terrorists.
If Dalla's links to the LeT are proven true, it could weaken Canada's position in the stand-off since it is a globally recognized terror outfit.
Background
Friends with Goldy Brar
Dalla hails from the Dalla village in Punjab's Moga district. He reportedly lives in Canada's Surrey, where Nijjar was shot dead in June, with his wife and daughter. His passport is valid until 2027.
He is allegedly a friend of Goldy Brar—who reportedly masterminded the killing of Punjabi music sensation Sidhu Moose Wala—and Sukhdool Singh, who was recently shot dead in Canada's Winnipeg.
Details
Suspected members of LeT, Dalla's gang arrested in January
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reportedly designated Dalla a terrorist in January this year under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Days later, the Delhi Police's Special Cell arrested two suspected terrorists, Naushad and Jagjeet Singh Jagga, with two military-grade hand grenades, three pistols, and cartridges.
Naushad was allegedly directed by a LeT handler, while Dalla was suspected to be Jagga's handler.
RSS
Dalla planned to target RSS leaders: Delhi Police
The Delhi Police's chargesheet said that Dalla allegedly planned to target leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) ideological parent.
It alleged that Dalla was in contact with LeT handler Suhail, who together directed the arrested suspects to also murder a Hindu boy and sever his head in Delhi's Jahangirpuri for Rs. 2 lakh.
Punjab
NIA probed Nijjar over Punjab RSS leaders' murder
The Delhi Police's chargesheet said Jagga came across Dalla while he was absconding after the murder.
Dalla allegedly directed him to murder some Hindu seers, RSS leaders, and other prominent figures opposing the Khalistan movement in Punjab.
Separately, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said in 2018 it was also probing Nijjar's involvement in the murder of Punjab's RSS leaders.