In a major operation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at over 100 locations in six states—Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh—targeting cases related to the terror-narcotics smugglers-gangsters nexus. The raids, which began early Wednesday morning, were carried out in close coordination with state police forces and are still ongoing.
The NIA initiated these raids in connection with three separate cases registered last year—RC 37, 38, and 39/2022/NIA/DLI. The agency is focusing on cracking down on the networks involved in these cases to dismantle the nexus between terrorists, gangsters, and drug smugglers.
One significant breakthrough in the investigations came earlier this year when the NIA apprehended Deepak Ranga in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur. Deepak Ranga, considered the main shooter in the RPG attack on Punjab Police Intelligence Headquarters in Mohali in May 2022, is a close associate of the notorious gangster-turned-terrorist Lakhbir Singh Sandhu, also known as Landa, and the Pakistan-based gangster-turned-terrorist Harvinder Singh Sandhu, alias Rinda.
Besides his involvement in the RPG attack, Deepak Ranga has been implicated in numerous violent terrorist and criminal offenses, including multiple violent killings. It has been discovered that he was actively receiving terror funds and logistical support from Landa and Rinda.
The NIA's decision to register the case on September 20, 2022, was prompted by the revelation that terrorist outfits and elements based abroad were collaborating with leaders and members of organized criminal gangs in northern states to carry out targeted killings and violent criminal acts. Furthermore, the investigations unearthed a network engaged in smuggling terrorist hardware, such as arms, ammunition, explosives, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), across borders. This network involved a widespread inter-state network of gun runners, illegal arms and ammunition manufacturers and suppliers, and explosive traffickers.
Following the registration of the three criminal cases linked to the terror-gangster-drug smuggler network, the NIA has already made significant progress. Nineteen leaders and members of various organized criminal gangs, two arms suppliers, and a major financier connected to the network have been arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Additionally, on January 9 of this year, the Ministry of Home Affairs designated Arsh Dalla, a Canada-based individual, as a "terrorist."
The ongoing raids conducted by the NIA reaffirm the government's commitment to eradicating the menace of terrorism, organized crime, and drug smuggling. By dismantling this intricate nexus, law enforcement agencies aim to ensure the safety and security of the nation and its citizens.
The NIA continues to be vigilant and steadfast in its pursuit of justice, leaving no stone unturned to bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to account for their actions.