VIF News Digest : National Security - Defence Studies & Terrorism (01-15 May 2025)
Anurag Bisen, Senior Fellow, VIF

Defence

  1. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Takes Command as CISC.
  2. Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma Takes Over as GOC-in-C of Northern Command.
  3. Air Marshal Tejinder Singh Takes Over as AOC-in-C, Training Command.
  4. Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan Takes Over as AOC-in-C, Central Air Command.
  5. Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari Takes Over as Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
  6. DRDO Conducts Maiden Flight Trials of Stratospheric Airship Platform.
  7. 7 INSSharda Arrives at Maafilaafushi, Maldives for HADR Exercise.
  8. Raksha Mantri Meets Japanese Defence Minister in New Delhi.
  9. DRDO & Indian Navy Conduct Combat Firing of Indigenous Multi-Influence Ground Mine
  10. Operation Sindoor: Indian Armed Forces Strike Terrorist Camps.
  11. Raksha Mantri Lauds BRO on 66th Raising Day and OperationSindoor.
  12. Pakistan's Escalation Negated: Proportionate Response by India.
  13. Delivery of ‘Arnala’ – First Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft to the Indian Navy.
  14. INSSunayna Returns to Kochi After Successful Deployment.
  15. OperationSindoor Proves Power of Quality: Rajnath Singh at National Quality Conclave 2025.
  16. Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth Attends Victory Day Celebrations in Moscow.
  17. OperationSindoor Reflects India’s Strength; BrahMos Facility Inaugurated in Lucknow.
  18. Rajnath Singh: Terror Attacks on India will be Treated as Acts of War
  19. Femto-LASIK Suite for Spectacle Removal Inaugurated at Army Hospital (R&R)

International Terrorism

Africa
  1. Niger: At least 10 soldiers killed in an ambush in Dosso region.
Afghanistan
  1. Russia will help Taliban in fighting against Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP).

Domestic Terrorism

Jammu and Kashmir
  1. NIA filed chargesheet against three IS operatives linked with “2024 Srinagar Sunday market grenade attack” case.
  2. 03 LeT terrorists, including operational commander, killed in gunfight with security forces in Shopian.
  3. Security forces killed 03 JeM terrorists in Pulwama.
  4. In Delhi prison, HM chief’s sons requested court for ‘phone call’ rights.
Khalistan-inspired Extremism
  1. NIA searched 15 locations in connection with BKI in Punjab.
  2. NIA searched multiple locations in three States in “2024 Neemrana Hotel attack” case.
  3. Bharat conveyed concerns in ‘strong terms’ to Canada over pro-Khalistan rally in Toronto.
Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
  1. NIA arrested two absconders in “IS Pune Sleeper Cell” case.
Organised Crime
  1. Delhi Police arrested 08 operatives, including gangster ‘Janta Gang’ linked with Khalistan inspired terror.

Defence

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit takes command as CISC.

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumed the appointment of Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) at Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff in New Delhi on May 01, 2025, succeeding Lt Gen JP Mathew, who superannuated on April 30, 2025.

Before assuming his new role, Air Marshal Dixit served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command, where he focused on enhancing operational readiness and fostering coordination with other services in Uttar Bharat and the Central region. Click here to read…

Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma took over as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Indian Army's Northern Command

Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma assumed the appointment of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Indian Army’s Northern Command on May 1, 2025, succeeding Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi.

Lieutenant General Sharma has held key staff and instructional positions, including serving as a staff officer in a UN mission and positions in the Military Operations Directorate and Military Secretary Branch. Prior to this appointment, he served as Director General of Military Operations and Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy). Click here to read…

Air Marshal Tejinder Singh Takes Over as AOC-in-C, Training Command

Air Marshal Tejinder Singh assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), Training Command of the Indian Air Force on May 1, 2025, succeeding Air Marshal R R Bhardwaj.

Before this appointment, he served as the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff. He has been awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 2007 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2022 for his distinguished service. Click here to read…

Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan Takes Over as AOC-in-C, Central Air Command

Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of Central Air Command on May 1, 2025. He succeeds Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, who took over as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff.

In a distinguished career spanning more than 38 years, he has commanded a Mi-17 1V Helicopter Unit and air bases at Bamrauli and Leh. He also served as Senior Air Staff Officer at Eastern Air Command. Prior to this role, he was the AOC-in-C of Southern Air Command. Click here to read…

Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari Takes Over as Vice Chief of the Air Staff

Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force on 02 May 2025, succeeding Air Marshal Sandeep Singh who superannuated.

Prior to his current role, he served as the AOC-in-C, South Western Air Command. In recognition of his service, he has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2025), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2022), and Vayu Sena Medal (2008). Click here to read…

DRDO conducts maiden flight-trials of Stratospheric Airship Platform

The first flight trials of the Stratospheric Airship Platform were successfully concluded by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) on May 3, 2025, from the Sheopur Trial site in Madhya Pradesh. The Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment in Agra built the airship, which was launched at a height of roughly 17 kilometers carrying an instrumentation payload. The total duration of the flight was about 62 minutes.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO for the successful maiden flight-trial of the system. He stated that this system will uniquely enhance India’s earth observation and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance capabilities, making the country one of the few countries in the world having such indigenous capabilities. Click here to read…

INSSharda Arrives at Maafilaafushi, Maldives for HADR Exercise

INSSharda arrived at Maafilaafushi Atoll, Maldives, for a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise scheduled from 04 to 10 May 2025. The deployment highlights India’s strong defence partnership with the Maldives and aligns with the "MAHASAGAR" vision — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions — promoting peace, stability, and regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.

The HADR exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). It will include coordinated disaster response, search and rescue operations, medical aid, logistical support, joint drills, training sessions, and community outreach, simulating relief efforts after a major natural disaster. Click here to read…

Raksha Mantri meets Japanese Defence Minister in New Delhi.

Shri Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Japan’s Minister of Defense Gen Nakatani at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, on May 05, 2025. Both leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and underlined the importance of global cooperation to combat the threat. Shri Rajnath Singh specifically condemned Pakistan’s policy of cross-border terrorism, stating it destabilises regional peace and security. He stressed the need for a unified global stance against terrorism and the actions of state and non-state actors that support it.

The Ministers reviewed the defence and security dimensions of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation. They welcomed the increasing scope of defence exchanges and exercises between the two nations and agreed to deepen and diversify these engagements. The two leaders also committed to expanding robust maritime cooperation to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Click here to read…

DRDO & Indian Navy conduct combat firing of indigenous Multi-Influence Ground Mine

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy have successfully undertaken combat firing (with reduced explosive) of the indigenously designed and developed Multi-Influence Ground Mine (MIGM). The system is an advanced underwater naval mine developed by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories - High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune and Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh.

MIGM is designed to enhance the Indian Navy's capabilities against modern stealth ships and submarines. Bharat Dynamics Limited, Visakhapatnam and Apollo Microsystems Limited, Hyderabad are the production partners for the system. Click here to read…

OperationSindoor: Indian Armed Forces Strike Terrorist Camps

In response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 30, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, the Indian Armed Forces launched ‘OperationSindoor’ on May 2, 2025. The operation targeted nine key terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, responsible for planning and executing attacks against India. These sites were linked to terrorist groups that have been orchestrating cross-border terrorism.

The strike was precisely executed with a focused and measured approach to avoid escalation. Notably, no Pakistani military installations were targeted, emphasizing India’s aim to neutralize the terrorist threat without provoking a broader conflict. OperationSindoor underscores India’s firm resolve to protect its citizens and sovereignty, showcasing its military capabilities while maintaining responsibility and compliance with international norms. Click here to read…

Raksha Mantri Lauds BRO on 66th Raising Day and OperationSindoor

On May 7, 2025, during the 66th Raising Day celebrations of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantt, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh commended the Indian Armed Forces for their precise execution of OperationSindoor. He described it as a historic exercise of India’s ‘Right to Respond’ following the brutal Pahalgam terrorist attack. The operation successfully targeted and destroyed nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir, showcasing India’s commitment to countering terrorism while maintaining restraint and strategic clarity, with no civilian harm caused.

In his address, Shri Rajnath Singh virtually dedicated 50 strategic infrastructure projects worth ₹1,879 crore, constructed by BRO across eight border states and Union Territories, including bridges, roads, and other vital works in regions like Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Mizoram. He emphasized the importance of infrastructure in modern warfare and praised BRO’s contribution, with 456 projects completed in the last four years, valued over ₹13,700 crore. The Raksha Mantri also highlighted the government's focus on revitalizing border areas through initiatives like the Vibrant Villages Programme, ensuring both strategic readiness and socio-economic development. Click here to read…

Pakistan's Escalation Negated: Proportionate Response by India

In a press briefing following Pakistan’s escalation, the Indian Armed Forces confirmed a proportionate and targeted response to Pakistani aggression, emphasizing that India’s actions under OperationSindoor remain focussed, measured, and non-escalatory. Despite India’s clear stance that its initial operations did not target Pakistani military installations, Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks on multiple Indian military locations on the night of 07–08 May 2025. These attacks were successfully neutralized by India’s Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence systems, with recovered debris confirming the threats.

In retaliation, India conducted precision strikes against Pakistani Air Defence radars, notably neutralizing a key facility in Lahore. Pakistan also escalated unprovoked cross-border firing along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the tragic loss of 16 civilian lives. India responded decisively to silence Pakistani mortar and artillery fire while maintaining its commitment to avoiding escalation, contingent upon reciprocal restraint from Pakistan’s military. Click here to read…

Delivery of ‘Arnala’ – First Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft to the Indian Navy

‘Arnala’, the first of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWCs), was delivered to the Indian Navy on 08 May 2025 at M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli. Indigenously designed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, and constructed in partnership with L&T Shipyard under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), the project exemplifies successful collaborative defence manufacturing. Built in accordance with Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) Classification Rules, the 77-metre-long vessel is the largest Indian Naval warship powered by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination, reflecting a significant step in indigenous naval engineering.

Named after the historic Arnala Fort off the coast of Vasai, Maharashtra, the ship pays tribute to India’s maritime heritage. It is equipped for underwater surveillance, low-intensity maritime operations, search and rescue missions, and advanced mine-laying tasks, making it a key asset for coastal anti-submarine warfare. With over 80% indigenous content, the delivery ofArnala marks a major milestone in the Indian Navy’s commitment to self-reliance and the Government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, enhancing the Navy’s capabilities in securing coastal waters. Click here to read…

INSSunayna Returns to Kochi After Successful Deployment

INSSunayna, operating as Indian Ocean Ship (IOS)Sagar, returned to Kochi on 08 May 2025 after completing a successful month-long deployment across the southwestern Indian Ocean Region (IOR). As the Indian Navy’s maiden initiative under the IOSSagar mission, the deployment was jointly crewed by personnel from nine IOR partner nations—Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania—highlighting a shared commitment to regional maritime cooperation. Flagged off by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh on 05 April from Karwar, the ship made port calls at Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis, Port Victoria, and Male. Highlights included participation in the India-Tanzania bilateral exercise AIKEYME 2025, joint EEZ surveillance, professional and cultural exchanges, and community outreach initiatives, reflecting the Indian Navy’s role in capacity building and fostering enduring partnerships.

The deployment exemplified India’s strategic vision ofMAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Region), reaffirming its role as the 'First Responder' and 'Preferred Security Partner' in the IOR. Activities such as coordinated patrols with Mauritius, training exchanges in Seychelles, and maritime engagement in the Maldives underscored the Navy’s focus on interoperability and mutual understanding. With a truly multinational crew operating cohesively, IOS Sagar embodied the spirit ofOne Ocean, One Mission, strengthening maritime bonds and promoting regional stability through inclusive, collaborative efforts. Click here to read…

OperationSindoor Proves Power of Quality: Rajnath Singh at National Quality Conclave 2025

At the National Quality Conclave 2025 in New Delhi on 8 May 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh praised the execution of OperationSindoor, highlighting the professionalism of the Indian Armed Forces and their high-quality equipment. He emphasized that the operation, which destroyed nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, demonstrated India’s precision and commitment to national security, with minimal collateral damage. Shri Rajnath Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment to responsible responses and its determination to protect its sovereignty against any threats.

The conclave also focused on strengthening India’s defence industrial ecosystem. Shri Rajnath Singh stressed the need to develop global trust in Indian defence products, with the goal of making India the largest defence exporter by 2047. Key initiatives discussed included the Industry 4.0/QA 4.0 Roadmap, incorporating smart technologies like IoT-enabled test benches and AI-powered analytics to improve efficiency and quality. The Draft Indian Military Airworthiness Bill was presented for feedback, aiming to establish a statutory framework for military aircraft certification. The event underscored India's strategic focus on enhancing quality assurance, innovation, and global competitiveness in defence manufacturing. Click here to read…

Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth Attends Victory Day Celebrations in Moscow; Meets President Putin

Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth participated in the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, Russia from May 8 to 9, 2025, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory in World War II. On May 9, 2025, he laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and attended the Victory Day Parade, reflecting the longstanding strategic partnership between India and Russia. His participation underscored the strong ties between the two nations.

During his visit, Shri Sanjay Seth met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, extending congratulations on the 80th Victory Day. He also held discussions with Deputy Defence Minister Colonel General Alexander Fomin, where they expressed gratitude for Russia’s support in India's fight against state-sponsored cross-border terrorism. The two leaders reviewed military cooperation and agreed to strengthen bilateral relations within existing institutional frameworks. Additionally, Shri Seth interacted with the Indian community in Moscow, further strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations. Click here to read…

OperationSindoor Reflects India’s Strength; BrahMos Facility Inaugurated in Lucknow

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh recently highlighted that OperationSindoor was not just a military operation but a symbol of India’s political, social, and strategic resolve. He emphasized how the operation demonstrated India’s zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK without harming innocent civilians. This action followed previous strikes, including those post-Uri, Pulwama, and Pahalgam attacks, showcasing India’s growing military capability and its commitment to safeguarding national security. The launch of the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow, inaugurated on National Technology Day, marks a significant step towards strengthening India’s self-reliance in defense and promoting socio-economic growth in the region.

The BrahMos facility, valued at approximately Rs 300 crore, will foster skill development, create jobs, and contribute to industrial growth, particularly in the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC). This aligns with the vision of “Make-in-India, Make-for-the-World,” turning India into a global defense manufacturing hub. The establishment of the facility also supports the government’s efforts to build an advanced defense ecosystem, generating direct and indirect employment while enhancing India’s role in global defense production. Click here to read…

Rajnath Singh: Terror Attacks on India Will Be Treated as Acts of War

On May 15, 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reaffirmed India’s firm stance on terrorism, emphasizing that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has redefined India’s policy by declaring that any attack on Indian soil will be regarded as an act of war. Addressing the Indian Army soldiers at Badami Bagh Cantt, Srinagar, he highlighted India’s commitment to peace but asserted that any attack on the country's sovereignty would be met with a decisive response. He also warned that Pakistan would pay a "heavier price" if it continues supporting terrorism and emphasized that terrorism and talks cannot coexist, with discussions only to be held on terrorism and PoK.

Shri Rajnath Singh termed OperationSindoor as a historic action, showcasing India’s resolve to eliminate terrorism. He praised the precision of Indian forces, emphasizing that Pakistan’s nuclear threats would not deter India’s commitment to securing its sovereignty. He called on the international community to place Pakistan’s nuclear weapons under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), due to the country's irresponsible nuclear posturing. The Raksha Mantri further reiterated that India's Armed Forces would continue to be equipped with advanced technologies to ensure the country's security and strengthen its military readiness.

Femto-LASIK Suite for treatment for spectacle removal inaugurated at Army Hospital (R&R)

The state-of-the-art Femto-LASIK Suite for spectacle removal treatment was inaugurated at Army Hospital (Research and Referral), Delhi Cantt, by DG, Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin and DG, Medical Services (Army) Lt Gen Sadhna S. Nair. This advanced laser technology offers a customized range of treatments for spectacle removal, catering primarily to young and middle-aged adult patients.

The inauguration of this suite highlights the Armed Forces' commitment to providing cutting-edge medical care and improving patient welfare. It marks a significant advancement in managing borderline refractive errors and corneal diseases. As the apex center of AFMS, Army Hospital (R&R) continues to lead in adopting innovative medical technologies for the benefit of its personnel and the larger community. Click here to read…

International Terrorism

Africa
Niger: At least 10 soldiers killed in an ambush in Dosso region.

On 07 May, at least 10 Niger soldiers were killed and seven others injured in an ambush in Dosso region. Alongside its Sahel neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, Niger is battling terrorism by groups affiliated with al-Qa’ida and Islamic State (IS). In April, 12 soldiers were killed and five Indian citizens kidnapped in an attack in Niger near the turbulent tri-border region with Mali and Burkina Faso. Click here to read…

Afghanistan
Russia will help Taliban in fighting against Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP).

On 02 May, Russia’s special representative and a former Russian ambassador to Afghanistan— Zamir Kabulov said during an interview with theRIA state news agency that the Russia see and appreciate the efforts that the Taliban are making in fight against the Afghan wing of Islamic State (IS), referring to the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP). Last month, Russia formally removed Taliban from its list of terrorist organisations, to which it had been added in 2003. Click here to read…

Domestic Terrorism

Jammu and Kashmir
NIA filed chargesheet against three IS operatives linked with “2024 Srinagar Sunday market grenade attack” case.

On 03 May, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet against three Islamic State (IS) operatives— i) Sheikh Usama Yaseen, ii) Umar Fayaz Sheikh, and iii) Afnan Mansoor Naik, in connection with a grenade attack at Sunday Market in Srinagar in 2024 in which one woman was killed and three others were injured. The charges were filed under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], 1967, Explosive Substances Act 1908, and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023. All three are currently lodged in judicial custody. Usama and Umar were arrested on 07 November 2024, just four days after the attack that took place on 03 November at the Sunday Market near TRC, Srinagar. Afnan was arrested on 08 of the same month for his active role in the criminal conspiracy, aimed at waging a war against Bharat through targeted terrorist attacks on security forces as well as the civilian population. Click here to read…

03 LeT terrorists, including operational commander, killed in gunfight with security forces in Shopian.

In a gunfight in Shukroo area of Keller in Shopian district, security forces eliminated 03 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists, including LeT’s operational commander Shahid Kuttay. “On 13 May 2025, based on specific intelligence of a Rashtriya Rifles (RR) Unit, about presence of terrorists in general area Shoekal Keller, Shopian, Indian Army launched a search and destroy Operation. During the operation, terrorists opened heavy fire and fierce firefight ensued, which resulted in elimination of three hardcore terrorists…”, said the Indian Army, in a post on X. According to police records, Kuttay had joined the LeT on 08 March 2023, and was listed as a Category-A terrorist. He was allegedly involved in multiple attacks, including the 08 April 2024 shooting of two German tourists and the killing of a BJPSarpanch in Heerpora, Shopian, on 18 May 2024. Click here to read…

Security forces killed 03 JeM terrorists in Pulwama.

On 15 May, security forces eliminated three JeM terrorists— i) Asif Ahmed Sheikh, ii) Amir Nazir Wani, and iii) Yawar Ahmad Bhat, in a gunfight in Tral area in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). “As the joint team approached the suspected hideout, the terrorists opened fire, leading to a retaliatory engagement. In the ensuing encounter, three local terrorists were neutralised. They are believed to be affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammad,” said a senior police official on the basis of anonymity.

Two days ago, on 13 May, three LeT terrorists, including its operational commander- Shahid Kuttay, were eliminated in Shukroo forest area of Keller in Shopian district. Click here to read…

In Delhi prison, HM chief’s sons requested court for ‘phone call rights.

Lodged in Delhi jail, both sons— i) Syed Ahmad Shakeel, and ii) Syed Shahid Yusuf, of Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) chief— Syed Salahuddin approached the Delhi High Court seeking permission over their ‘phone call rights’ in prison. The duo’s petition challenges the restrictions placed by prison authorities under the Delhi Jail Rule 631. This rule limits phone and communication access for individuals accused in terror-related cases, citing reasons of public safety and order. However, it does allow the jail superintendent to make exceptions with prior approval from the Deputy Inspector General (Range). Click here to read…

Khalistan-inspired Extremism
NIA searched 15 locations in connection with BKI in Punjab.

On 16 May, the NIA officials searched 15 locations in Punjab, in connection with activities of banned terror group— Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), including the grenade attack on a police station in Gurdaspur district in December 2024. The search operation was carried out at in Gurdaspur, Batala, Amritsar, and Kapurthala districts of Punjab, which led to seizure of materials, including digital devices, mobile phones, and documents.

Earlier, on 02 May, the NIA searched 17 locations in Gurdaspur, Batala, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Tarn Taran, Amritsar, and Faridkot, leading to the seizure of materials, including mobile phones, and documents. The searches were linked with gangster Happy Passian who is connected with Khalistani terrorist Harwinder Singhaka Rinda. Click here to read…

NIA searched multiple locations in three States in “2024 Neemrana Hotel attack” case.

On 05 May, the NIA searched 10 locations in Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan in connection with Neemrana hotel firing attack, conspired by Canada-based Khalistani terrorist Arsh Dalla. The attack, in which 35 shots were fired on 08 September 2024 all around the premises of Hotel Highway King, was aimed at terrorising and threatening people. The two attackers were subsequently identified as members of theBambiah gang, having connections with Dalla’s terrorist-gangster network. They had used prohibited weapons and also threatened the hotel’s owner and manager for extortion money. The manager had also earlier received several threat calls from international numbers. Click here to read…

Bharat conveyed concerns in ‘strong terms’ to Canada over pro-Khalistan rally in Toronto.

On 04 May, a rally was taken out in Toronto in which pro-Khalistan slogans were raised. Bharat conveyed its concerns in ‘strongest terms’ to the Canadian High Commission in Delhi. The pro-Khalistan rally depicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top ministers of Government of Bharat in an objectionable manner. “We have conveyed our concerns in the strongest terms to the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi regarding the parade held in Toronto where unacceptable imagery and threatening language were used against our leadership, and Indian citizens residing in Canada. We once again call on the Canadian authorities to act against anti-India elements who spread hatred and advocate extremism and separatist agenda,” said an official on the basis of anonymity. Click here to read…

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)
NIA arrested two absconders in “IS Pune Sleeper Cell” case.

On 17 May, the NIA arrested two absconders— i) Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh and ii) Talha Khan, in connection with Islamic State (IS) Pune Sleeper Cell case. The duo was intercepted by the Bureau of Immigration at the Mumbai International Airport upon their arrival from Jakarta, Indonesia, where they have been hiding out. The case pertains to a criminal conspiracy by these operatives, along with eight other IS Pune sleeper module operatives already arrested and in judicial custody. They had conspired to commit terrorist acts with the aim to disturb Bharat’s peace and communal harmony by waging a war against the Government of Bharat in furtherance of the IS agenda to establish Islamic rule in the country through violence and terror. Click here to read…

Organised Crime
Delhi Police arrested 08 operatives, including gangster ‘Janta Gang’ linked with Khalistan-inspired terror.

Delhi Police Crime Branch carried out an operation and arrested eight operatives, including a gangster Gurjant Singhaka Janta Gang, allegedly linked to Khalistan-inspired terror and recovered huge cache of ammunition and arms. Out of 08, two gang members were involved in recent firing incident at the house on the night of 08 May in Anand Vihar, Delhi, in pursuance of an extortion threat extended to the victim in March 2025. Click here to read…

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