Dalla shot at by own aide, reveals probe

NEW DELHI: Confirming reports that designated terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill, alias Arsh Dalla , was arrested in Canada following a mysterious shooting incident that left him injured in the arm, Canada’s official documents showed that a cache of arms and ammunition, including a rifle, a shotgun, a pistol and two high-capacity magazines of 15 and 35 rounds were recovered from his premises.

The bizarre chain of events — which started with Dalla claiming he had been fired upon by hitmen engaged by his sworn rival Lawrence Bishnoi and ended with the cops determining that the bullet that wounded him had been fired by his own aide — has exposed Canada’s claim that it has not been sheltering criminals and terrorists, while strengthening India’s hand in the extradition of Dalla, slain Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar ’s main hitman.

Dalla and his associate Gurjant Singh tried to scam police by concocting a story of him being a victim of Bishnoi, a target of Khalistanis whom Canadians have blamed for the killing of Nijjar. This set off an investigation by the local police. Local cops, seemingly unaware of Dalla’s antecedents, soon found out the truth. By the time Royal Canadian Mounted Police , Canada’s federal police which ought to have been aware of India’s interest in Dalla because of his involvement in serious crimes, had been alerted, local cops had already requested his three-day remand, besides carrying out a search-and-seizure operation at his home. He was held at Oakville police station pending bail. Dalla and his aide will be produced in a local court on Wednesday.

According to the case file, the duo arrived at Guelph Hospital around 4am on Oct 28. The hospital informed the police around 4.17am about a man with a gunshot wound. Dalla and Singh arrived at the hospital in a Dodge Durango SUV. They told police that while driving on Guelph Line, north of Highway 401 in Milton, Region of Halton, an unknown vehicle drew up beside their SUV and several shots were fired into their vehicle, resulting in the gunshot wound to Dalla.

Dalla had a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his right bicep, which was treated by hospital staff.

“...Dalla and Singh were arrested for the offence of discharging a firearm with intent. Both were cautioned, given rights to counsel, and transported to central lock-up at Oakville police station. The accused’s clothing and phones were seized by police. Both accused were held in custody pending a bail hearing. The police sought their remand for three days,” the case file said.