Daijiworld Media Network - Neemrana
Neemrana, May 5: In a major crackdown on transnational terror networks, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday said it has conducted raids at 10 locations across Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi in connection with the 2024 hotel firing case in Neemrana, which has now been linked to Canada-based Khalistani terrorist Arsh Dalla.
The incident, which occurred on September 8 last year, saw 35 rounds fired across the premises of Hotel Highway King in Neemrana. “The objective was to terrorise and intimidate,” said an NIA spokesperson, adding that the attackers also threatened the hotel owner and manager for extortion.
The probe has revealed that the two shooters were affiliated with the notorious Bambiah gang, which operates under the larger terror-gangster nexus led by Arsh Dalla. The attackers used prohibited weapons, and the hotel manager had reportedly received several threatening calls from international numbers prior to the assault.
The NIA, which took over the case in December 2024, said Saturday's searches led to the seizure of digital evidence and other incriminating materials from suspects allegedly involved in aiding violent crimes at the behest of Dalla and his associate Dinesh Gandhi.
“These individuals provided financial and logistical support for acts of terror aimed at extortion and fundraising for banned Khalistani outfits,” the agency stated. The investigation suggests that Dalla’s gang systematically targeted businessmen, extorting large sums through threats and violence.
In a parallel operation on May 1, the NIA also raided 17 locations across Punjab in connection with gangster Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passian, a close associate of Pakistan-based Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist Harwinder Singh alias Rinda.
Raids were carried out in Gurdaspur, Batala, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Tarn Taran, Amritsar, and Faridkot, leading to the seizure of mobile phones, digital gadgets and documents. Harpreet, currently based in the US, is believed to be the mastermind behind a series of grenade attacks on police posts in Punjab and Haryana.
The NIA said Rinda’s network spans multiple countries and has been actively recruiting local operatives for terror activities in India.