Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's aide Arsh Dalla nabbed by Canadian Police: Report

Arshdeep Singh, also known as Arsh Dalla, a Khalistani terrorist and one of India’s most-wanted criminals, has been arrested by Canadian authorities in connection with a shootout that occurred last month in Milton, Ontario.

Dalla’s detention was tied to his suspected role in the October 28 confrontation, which is currently under investigation by local law enforcement, TOI reported on Sunday.

Dalla, a close associate of slain Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, has been linked to several high-profile criminal activities in both India and abroad.


In September 2024, Dalla publicly claimed responsibility for the murder of Congress leader Baljinder Singh Balli.

Balli was shot dead in Moga district of Punjab.

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Arsh Dalla-linked criminals arrested in Punjab

In related developments, Punjab Police announced the arrest of two key operatives affiliated with Dalla in connection with the murder of Sikh activist Gurpreet Singh Hari Nau in Faridkot last month.

The arrests were made in a joint operation involving the State Special Operations Cell of Mohali, the Anti-Gangster Task Force, and Faridkot Police.

Investigations revealed that the two suspects were also involved in the 2024 murder of Jaswant Singh Gill, who had been serving a life sentence for a 2016 murder. Gill was shot dead in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, on November 7, 2024, reportedly under Dalla’s orders.

Dalla’s arrest makes him the second close associate of Nijjar to be detained by Canadian authorities within the span of a week.

Two Nijjar aides arrested in a week

On November 8, 2024, Canadian police arrested 35-year-old Inderjeet Gosal, a Brampton resident, for his involvement in an assault during a violent demonstration at a Hindu temple in the city.

Gosal, the coordinator of the banned pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in Canada, had taken over leadership from Nijjar after the latter's assassination in June 2023. Gosal is also considered a close ally of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the SFJ’s general counsel, who is designated a terrorist by India.

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Following his arrest, Gosal was released on conditions and is expected to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton at a later date.

The recent arrests come amidst growing tensions between India and Canada. Relations soured after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged the involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

New Delhi has vehemently rejected the claims as "absurd" and continues to criticize Canada for harboring pro-Khalistan extremists on its soil. India has consistently raised concerns about Canada's failure to curb the activities of separatist groups operating from its territory with impunity.

(With inputs from ToI)