India Renews 2023 Extradition Request To Canada For Khalistani Leader Arsh Dalla

India has announced plans to renew a 2023 extradition request to Canada for Arsh Singh Gill, also known as Arsh Dalla, a Khalistani radical and designated terrorist who is among over two dozen criminals and terrorists sought by India.

Reports indicate that Dalla was recently apprehended in Canada, prompting India to push once again for his extradition.

Photo Credit: X/ANI

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the move, referencing reports from November 10 regarding Dalla's arrest and the Ontario court's decision to schedule a hearing. "Given Arsh Dalla's criminal history in India and his involvement in illegal activities in Canada, it is anticipated that he will be extradited to face justice in India," Jaiswal stated.

Dalla has a criminal record involving more than 50 cases of murder, attempted murder, extortion, and terrorism, including financing terror activities. In May 2022, Interpol issued a Red Notice against him, and in July 2023, India formally requested Canada for his provisional arrest, which Canada initially declined. Later, India supplied further documentation to support the extradition request.

In an effort to verify Dalla's residency in Canada and his financial links with India, a separate request was submitted under the bilateral Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in January 2023. Canada's Department of Justice later asked for additional details, which were promptly provided in March 2024.

Arsh Dalla, who reportedly fled to Canada, allegedly collaborated with Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar-then chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF)-to recruit youth and establish terror networks for extortion purposes. Nijjar was killed in June 2023 in Surrey, British Columbia. In January 2023, India's Ministry of Home Affairs officially labeled Dalla an "individual terrorist" under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

Originally from Dala village in Moga district, Punjab, Dalla is believed to operate out of British Columbia and remains wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Punjab Police. The NIA has placed a bounty of ₹10 lakh on his capture, as India intensifies efforts to bring him back to face charges.