India has formally followed up on its November 10 request to Canada for the extradition of Arshdeep Gill, also known as Arsh Dalla, the alleged leader of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the request on Thursday, stating that an Ontario court in Canada has scheduled a hearing for the extradition case. Additionally, India has sent separate requests to verify financial details provided last year.

Dalla, a "proclaimed offender," is wanted in more than 50 cases involving murder, attempted murder, extortion, terrorist activities, and terror financing. He was designated a terrorist in January 2023 and is an accused in multiple cases filed by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA). Indian authorities also believe Dalla took control of the Khalistani terrorist group following the June 2023 killing of its former leader, Hardeep Nijjar, a Canadian citizen. Nijjar's murder led to diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggesting without evidence that Indian agents were involved.

Despite multiple requests from India, Canada has previously denied handing over Dalla. However, his recent arrest in Canada’s Halton region has drawn renewed attention to his case. Dalla was injured in a shooting incident and sought medical treatment at a local hospital, which led to police investigations. During a search of his vehicle, police found bullet casings and markings indicating a gunfight. A subsequent search of his home uncovered several firearms, including a Taurus handgun, a rifle, a shotgun, and high-capacity magazines.

Dalla, originally from Moga in Punjab, is known for orchestrating a series of targeted killings via a network of sleeper cells. His criminal activities span multiple continents, including North America, Europe, and Asia, with sources suggesting possible links to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Dalla is also suspected of smuggling weapons across the Pakistan border, often using drones to drop them into Punjab. His operation is believed to collaborate with other terrorist organizations, including Lashkar-e-Taiba.

In addition to his terrorist activities, Dalla has a longstanding rivalry with Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious gangster and leader of a criminal syndicate operating from prison in Punjab. The Bishnoi gang, known for its involvement in high-profile killings like the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, is also believed to be involved in various violent incidents, including the recent assassination of a Maharashtra politician. The rivalry between Dalla and Bishnoi remains a significant concern for law enforcement agencies in both India and Canada.