#India, #Canada, #ArshDalla, #Extradition, #Ontario, #MEA
Ontario/IBNS-CMEDIA: India on Thursday said it would follow up on its request to extradite terrorist Arshdeep Gill, alias Arsh Dalla, who is the de facto chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force, with a court in Canada’s Ontario listing the matter for hearing after his reported arrest.
“We have seen media reports circulating since 10 November on the arrest in Canada of proclaimed offender Arsh Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, the de-facto chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force. Canadian print and visual media have widely reported on the arrest. We understand that the Ontario Court has listed the case for hearing,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement.
Arsh 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, and he was designated as an individual terrorist in 2023.
In July 2023, the Indian government requested the Canadian counterpart for his provisional arrest.
However, the request was declined at that time with more information.
“A separate request was also sent to Canada under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) to verify Arsh 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 January 2023,” the MEA statement said.
In December 2023, the Department of Justice of Canada sought additional information on the case. A reply to these queries was sent in March this year.
Our response to media queries regarding the arrest of a designated terrorist in Canada:https://t.co/c6CasRuteb pic.twitter.com/XfH4S5UzUr— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) November 14, 2024
“In view of the recent arrest, our agencies will be following up on an extradition request. 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,” the MEA statement added.
Dalla was arrested in Canada’s Halton last month after receiving injuries in an attack by unknown shooters.
An injured Dalla sought treatment at a local hospital that in turn alerted the cops.
A day later, Dalla’s house was searched and a Taurus 9mm handgun, with a loaded magazine, was recovered besides other ammunition.
Dalla and his associate, Gurjant Singh, were arrested and await bail hearings.
