In a twist of events, Gangster Sukhdool Singh, better known as 'Sukha Duneke', was gunned down by unidentified attackers in Winnipeg, Canada. Sukha, originally from Moga district in Punjab, had been evading the Indian authorities since 2017 after fleeing the country with the aid of forged documentation. He was a known associate of the notorious Davinder Bambiha gang.

Sukha’s name appeared in the NIA list

Suspiciously, this dramatic incident transpired only a day after India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) shed light on Sukha by including him in their list of wanted criminals. On September 20, the NIA unveiled names of criminals engaged in terror-gangster activities that run counter to India's interests. Of these, Sukha found himself positioned at number 33.

The list is not only extensive but also revealing – 43 names in total, with 29 of them being gangsters from Punjab alone.

Reports suggest that Sukha's assassination might mirror the modus operandi witnessed in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar earlier this year. The echo of this assassination has already stirred international controversies, with Canada pointing fingers at India for Nijjar's death.

Regarding the sought-after list by NIA, they have made a public appeal: “Persons shown in the photos below are accused in the NIA Cases RC-38/2022/NIA/DLI or RC-39/2022/NIA/DLI. If you have any information about properties/assets/ business owned by them in their name or in the name of their associates, friends & relatives, please WhatsApp DM @ +91 7290009373.” This was publicly broadcasted on their communication platform 'X'.

As India and Canada plunge into a murky game of accusations and dark underworld connections, the question remains: How many more names from the NIA's list might face the same fate as Sukha in foreign lands?

Sukha Duneke: The Rise and Fall of a Former Local Gangster

Sukhdool Singh, alias Sukha Duneke, whose name recently emerged on the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) most-wanted list, met a grim end in Canada in a brutal gang showdown. With Lawrence Bishnoi gang claiming responsibility for his murder, it's clear that his criminal entanglements followed him across international borders.

But, who exactly was this man, and how did he find himself in such a perilous position?

Duneke's journey in the underworld was both rapid and menacing. Once, he was a mere local gangster confined to the rivalries of Punjab, but escaping to Canada in 2017 marked a turning point in his criminal career. Now on foreign soil, Duneke and his associates expanded their sphere of influence, establishing a well-structured crime network that resonated across Punjab and neighboring states.

It's particularly intriguing to note Duneke's association with Arsh Dalla, a Khalistani terrorist. Dalla recently confessed to being involved in the murder of Congress leader Baljinder Singh Balli in Moga. Furthermore, Duneke, as a part of the Bambiha gang, was implicated in the killing of controversial Congress leader Sidhu Moosewala.

From his Canadian base, Duneke orchestrated various heinous crimes in India, offering "real-time" support to his gang members in Punjab through a well-maintained network. His list of alleged crimes is extensive, encompassing terrorism, murder, attempted homicide, robbery, extortion, and kidnapping.

Hailing from the south Malwa region, Duneke started as a small-time gangster but swiftly made headlines. With peers like Goldy Brar and Arsh Dalla, their specialty lay in extortion and cross-border funding. Duneke's allegiance to Khalistan was no secret, either.

An interesting aspect of his modus operandi was his adept use of technology. Duneke reportedly utilized social media and various digital platforms to maintain a close connection with his gang members in Punjab.

In a world increasingly interconnected, Duneke's tale serves as a stark reminder: past actions, no matter where committed, can have far-reaching consequences.

Duneke's Dark Descent: From Government Employee to International Criminal

From the confines of a Deputy Commissioner's (DC) office in Moga to the vast and dangerous territories of global crime, Sukhdool Singh, better known as Duneke, traveled a path marred by treachery and violence.

Once an employee at the DC's office, the pull of the underworld proved too alluring for Duneke. His initial induction into the world of crime saw him become a pivotal figure in the Davinder Bambiha gang, orchestrating his operations mainly in the Malwa districts. However, as time passed, his criminal activities expanded, leading to a drastic increase in the number of cases against him. From seven pending cases in 2017, the count surged to over 20 by the time of his demise.

A significant turn in Duneke's life came when he managed to flee India in 2017. It wasn't a solo effort; two police officers, ASI Prabhdyal Singh and head constable Gurwinder Singh, played a crucial role in his escape. These officials were later booked for aiding Duneke by Moga Police, having provided him with a fraudulent passport and a police clearance certificate. Despite the slew of charges against him, the corrupt officials gave a nod during Duneke's passport verification. With these documents in hand, he easily secured a Canadian visa and made his getaway.

On foreign soil, Duneke's links with notorious figures strengthened. He came into contact with Khalistani terrorist Arsh Dalla, widening his sphere of illegal activities to include extortion and arms smuggling.

In March 2022, Duneke's name resurfaced in a conspiracy linked to the assassination attempt on Kabaddi player Sandeep Singh Nangal during a match at Mallian Village in Jalandhar. While his core activities were mainly rooted in extortions and 'supari' killings, it's important to note his known association with Khalistani terrorist outfits.

Duneke's narrative is a chilling testament to the extent individuals can go when lured by the promise of power and wealth. It also sheds light on the concerning connections between criminals and those vested with the duty to uphold the law.

From the Shadows of Punjab to the Spotlight of Terrorism: Arsh Dalla's Trajectory

Khalistani terrorist Arsh Dalla began his journey to notoriety in Punjab, only to escalate his operations on a global scale. Declared an "individual terrorist" under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) by India, Dalla's criminal record was expansive even before he set foot outside the country. Before his departure, six criminal cases marred his name. Yet, in 2017, with the support of a deceptive assistant sub-inspector, Dalla managed to fly to Canada, evading the eyes of Indian authorities.

On foreign shores, his ambitions soared. Dalla entrenched himself in the underworld, involving himself in large scale smuggling of narcotics and weapons. His name resonated with fear across Punjab; since his escape, the police have registered a staggering 35 cases against him, five of which are for cold-blooded murders. Dalla's allegiance to the prohibited Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) intensified, and he swiftly became a core operative for another notorious terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The gravity of Dalla's actions became evident when he openly took responsibility for the assassination of Congress leader Baljinder Singh Balli in Moga. A chilling Facebook post from Dalla soon followed the murder, where he not only claimed responsibility but also threw blame on Balli for introducing him to the criminal underworld and causing distress to his mother.

However, the spotlight on criminals like Dalla isn't just restricted to India. The Ministry of Home Affairs, earlier this year, highlighted a concerning trend: the U.S. and Canada have become havens for some of India's most wanted gangsters. The inclusion of Duneke's name by the Home Ministry emphasizes the magnitude of the situation. This revelation followed shortly after a strong critique by Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S Jaishankar, who chastised Western nations for their lackadaisical approach to ensuring security at Indian diplomatic missions. He alluded to the disgraceful act of Khalistani elements who desecrated the Indian flag at the High Commission in London.

On September 20, the NIA brought this issue to the forefront by releasing a list of 43 criminals linked to terrorism. Prominently, both Arsh Dalla and the late Sukhdool alias Sukha Duneke found their names on this list, cementing their position in India's most wanted.

In closing, the rise and actions of individuals like Dalla underscore the pressing need for a united global front against terrorism and organized crime. The safety of nations hinges on collaborative efforts, more so now than ever.