In a major development, Arshdeep Singh Gill, also known by his alias “Arsh Dalla,” one of India’s most wanted terrorists, has been arrested in Canada. Gill has been charged in connection with a recent shooting in Milton, Ontario, and is currently being held in custody at Maplehurst Correctional Complex in Milton. His arrest has made headlines both in Canada and India, with significant diplomatic implications.
Dalla, who has been living in Canada for several years, is notorious in India for his involvement in organized crime, particularly in Punjab, where he is accused of orchestrating multiple killings from abroad. According to Ritesh Lakhi, a prominent independent journalist in India, Dalla’s reputation is well-known, and he has openly claimed responsibility for several murders, including a targeted assassination of a local politician in Punjab.
The arrest of Dalla, a known associate of Hardeep Nijjar—another controversial figure linked to the Khalistan movement—comes at a time of escalating tensions between Canada and India. The Trudeau government has accused Indian agents of being behind Nijjar’s assassination earlier this year in British Columbia, a claim that the Indian government has denied.
In January 2023, the Indian government officially designated Dalla a terrorist, accusing him of directing violent activities in India from his base in Canada. The Indian government had reportedly shared Dalla’s coordinates with Canadian authorities, but it is unclear if a formal extradition request was made or acted upon.
Phil Gurski, a former terrorism analyst with CSIS, notes that Dalla’s recent arrest appears to be tied to his criminal activity in Canada rather than any direct action taken in response to Indian requests. Gurski warns that the situation could exacerbate tensions, with India viewing Canada’s inaction on Dalla as a failure to address a serious threat.
The case underscores the growing strain in Canada-India relations, which reached a boiling point when both countries expelled diplomats following allegations of interference and targeted campaigns. Now, with Dalla’s arrest in Canada, India’s claims that Canada is harbouring dangerous terrorists on its most-wanted list are likely to gain renewed attention.
As the legal proceedings unfold, both Dalla and his co-accused, Gurjant Singh, await a court date for what is expected to be a lengthy bail hearing. Meanwhile, questions remain over whether Canada will address India’s demands for tougher action on terrorists operating from Canadian soil.
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