India to push for extradition of Khalistani terrorist Arsh Dalla after his arrest in Canada

Randhir Jaiswal

Khalistani terrorist Arsh Dalla, who is wanted in both India and Canada, was arrested in Canada over a shootout. Following his arrest, the Government of India said on November 14 that it would pursue his extradition to India.

"In view of the recent arrest, our agencies will be following up on an extradition request," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

A statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that India had in July 2023 requested Canada to provisionally arrest Dalla, but it was denied. Arsh Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, the de-facto chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force, was designated a terrorist in India in the same year.

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

"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 statement further said.