UP ATS and Noida Police Capture Khalistan Terrorist After 31-Year Fugitive Hunt
In a significant breakthrough, a joint operation by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Gautam Budh Nagar police has led to the arrest of a Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) terrorist who had been evading authorities for nearly 31 years. The arrest took place on Wednesday in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, located in Punjab's Mohali district, marking the end of a prolonged manhunt for the fugitive.
Decades-Long Fugitive Apprehended in Coordinated Raid
The arrested individual, identified as Sukhwinder Singh Dhillon, aged 63, was wanted in connection with multiple serious criminal cases, including murder charges in Punjab. His capture stems from an arms case originally registered against him at the Noida Sector 20 police station back in 1993. According to an ATS officer, Dhillon was initially arrested on April 18, 1993, for illegal possession of an AK-56 rifle and 121 live cartridges.
After being granted bail on December 9, 1993, Dhillon failed to appear before the court following August 16, 1995, leading authorities to declare him absconder. A non-bailable arrest warrant was subsequently issued against him, but he managed to evade capture for over three decades until this recent operation.
Technical Surveillance and Intelligence Lead to Breakthrough
The Uttar Pradesh ATS successfully traced Sukhwinder Singh Dhillon, who operated under various aliases including Dayal Singh, Rakesh Sharma, and Chhinda, through a combination of advanced technical surveillance, human intelligence sources, and coordinated efforts with other law enforcement agencies. This multi-agency approach proved crucial in locating the long-time fugitive who had been living under the radar.
Extensive Criminal History Unveiled
Beyond the Noida arms case, Sukhwinder Singh Dhillon faces a lengthy criminal record spanning several decades in Punjab:
- Murder cases registered in Kapurthala (1992) and Jalandhar (1984)
- Attempted murder and assault on a public servant in Phagwara (1985)
- Multiple cases under the Public Gambling Act in Kapurthala (1983 and 1987)
The arrest represents a significant victory for counter-terrorism efforts in the region and demonstrates the persistence of law enforcement agencies in pursuing fugitives regardless of how much time has passed since their crimes were committed.
