Login Register
Follow Us

Paramjit Panjwar: Khalistan Commando Force chief lately took to cross-border smuggling of drugs, weapons through drones

Before joining KCF in 1986, Panjwar used to work in bank in Tarn Taran district

Show comments

Tribune News Service

PK Jaiswar

Amritsar, May 6

Designated terrorist and Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) chief Paramjit Singh Panjwar, who was shot dead by unknown armed assailants in Lahore in Pakistan on Saturday morning when he was having a walk near his house, has been lately involved in cross-border drug trafficking of drugs and weapons through drones for carrying out nefarious activities by destabilising the peaceful atmosphere in Punjab.

He originally belonged to Tarn Taran’s Panjwar village. Before joining KCF, he used to work at Central Co-operative Bank at Sohal village.

He joined the separatist group in 1986 under the influence of the then KCF head and his cousin Labh Singh. He took over the reins of the organisation after Labh Singh was killed by Indian security forces in 1990s. It was then he crossed over to Pakistan where Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) sheltered him. His family, including wife and children, relocated to Germany.

He remained the head of the faction till 2008. He was listed as one of the top 10 most wanted criminals by the Indian government. The government has also invoked Unlawful Activities Prevention act (UAPA) against his organisation.

According to Police, Panjwar was wanted by the Indian security agencies for reviving Sikh insurgency, murder conspiracy and smuggling of arms in India. His name cropped in the murder of former army chief general AS Vaidya in 1992 and the country’s biggest bank robbery in Ludhiana.

A senior police official said though Panjwar was not significantly involved in terror-related incidents in Punjab in recent past, but he was involved in smuggling of contraband, arms and ammunition in Punjab from Pakistan side with drones. He is said to be the main link between Pakistan’s ISI and drug smugglers there.

He said the today’s incident was apparently outcome of this inter-gang rivalry over drug proceeds.

Panjwar’s mother Mohinder Kaur was allegedly kidnapped and kept in illegal confinement before she disappeared from Jhabal police station in November 1992. The special judicial magistrate of CBI Court Mohali last month declared Punjab police AIG Jagdip Singh as proclaimed offender in the case. The then DSP Ashok Kumar was charge sheeted by CBI and he died during the trial.

His brother was also allegedly killed by the police in an encounter. One of his brothers has been retired from Central Co-operative bank while his three brothers lives in the village.

About The Author

The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.

#Pakistan #tarn taran

Show comments
Show comments

Trending News

Also In This Section


Top News


View All

Punjabi tadka in Italy as Phagwara-born owner caters to Indian delegation

Rupinder Singh expressed excitement at the opportunity of serving people from India in Italy

Arsh(deep) trouble for USA

Pacer rocks co-hosts before Suryakumar Yadav clinches Super 8 berth for Rohit’s men

'Rohit, Kohli ko apna dost samjho': India fans engage in fun banter with Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi ahead of marquee clash

India and Pakistan will step into New York’s Nassau County International Cricket Stadium to add a new chapter to their historic rivalry

‘No love lost for Kangana Ranaut, but…’: Shabana Azmi reacts to slap incident by CISF constable

Anupam Kher, Shekhar Suman and Adhyayan Suman stand united against assault on actor


Most Read In 24 Hours