India to pursue Khalistan terrorist Dalla’s extradition | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: With Canada reported to have arrested the de-facto chief of Khalistan Tiger Force, Arsh Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, the Indian govt said Thursday it will pursue his extradition and expressed hope he will be deported to face justice in India.
Dalla, apparently an aide of slain Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, is among the 27 individuals whose extradition had been sought by India. Ottawa has blamed Indian govt agents for the killing of Nijjar.
Canada’s CTV News reported on Wednesday that India-designated terrorist Dalla along with an associate had been arrested and charged in connection with a recent shooting in Ontario. He’s said to be awaiting a bail hearing. “In view of the recent arrest, our agencies will be following up on an extradition request,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
Canada declined India’s July 2023 request to arrest Dalla, says MEA
Given Arsh Dalla’s criminal record in India and his involvement in similar illegal activities in Canada, it is expected that he will be extradited or deported to face justice in India,” said ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, acknowledging media reports circulating since Nov 10 about the Dalla’s arrest in Canada.
Canadian print and television media have widely reported the arrest and the Ontario court has also listed the case for hearing. The Canadian govt had earlier refused to act on India’s request for his arrest.
India has repeatedly stated that its main issue with Canada is the impunity enjoyed by Khalistan separatists targeting Indian interests. The official said that Dalla is a proclaimed offender in over 50 cases of murder, attempt to murder, extortion and terrorist acts, including terror financing.
“In May 2022, a red corner notice was issued against him. Dalla was designated in India as an individual terrorist in 2023. In July 2023, Govt of India had requested the Canadian govt for his provisional arrest. This was declined. Additional information was provided in this case,” he said.
According to MEA, a separate request was also sent to Canada under Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) to verify Dalla’s suspected residential address, his financial transactions to India, moveable/immovable properties, details of mobile numbers, etc — all of which were provided to Canadian authorities in Jan 2023.
“In Dec 2023, the Department of Justice of Canada sought additional information on the case. A reply to these queries was sent in March this year,” said Jaiswal. India had sought Dalla’s extradition in Jan 23.