Arsh Dalla, the de-facto chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force, was arrested in connection with a shooting last month
India will seek the extradition of designated terrorist Arsh Dalla after his recent arrest in Canada, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday (November 14, 2024). The Indian government had requested the Canadian government for his provisional arrest in July 2023, but this was declined. 

Recent media reports have said Dalla was arrested for a shooting which took place in Canada’s Milton town last month.

Responding to media queries in this regard, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “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”.

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. He was designated in India as an individual terrorist in 2023. “In July 2023, Government of India had requested the Canadian government for his provisional arrest. This was declined. Additional information was provided in this case,” the MEA Spokesperson said.

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. 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, the MEA Spokesperson said.

“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,” MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal said.