Surinder Singh Sodhi
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Surinder Singh Sodhi (c. 1962 – 14 April 1984) was a Sikh militant known for being the chief bodyguard, chief hitman, transport minister, and right-hand man of
Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale (; born Jarnail Singh Brar; 2 June 1947– 6 June 1984) was a Sikh militant. After Operation Bluestar, he posthumously became the leading figure for the Khalistan movement, although he did not personally advocate for ...
.


Early life

Sodhi was born in 1962 in village Kotli Bawa Dass, in a Bains
Jat Sikh Jat Sikh or Jatt Sikh (Gurmukhi: ਜੱਟ ਸਿੱਖ) is an ethnoreligious group, a subgroup of the Jat people whose traditional religion is Sikhism, originating from the Indian subcontinent. They are one of the dominant communities in Pu ...
Family
Hoshiarpur District Hoshiarpur district is a district of Punjab, India, Punjab state in northern India. Hoshiarpur, one of the oldest districts of Punjab, is located in the North-east part of the Punjab state and shares common boundaries with Gurdaspur district in ...
. He took ''
Amrit Amrit (), the classical antiquity, classical Marathus (, ''Marathos''), was a Phoenicians, Phoenician port located near present-day Tartus in Syria. Founded in the third millenniumBC, Marat (, ) was the northernmost important city of ancient Ph ...
'' and became a
Khalsa The term ''Khalsa'' refers to both a community that follows Sikhism as its religion,Khalsa: Sikhism< ...
early in his life. By 10, he had memorised the entire ''
Nitnem ''Nitnem'' () is a collection of Sikh hymns ('' Gurbani'') to be read minimally 3 different times of the day. These are mandatory and to be read by every Amritdhari Sikh as expressed in the Sikh Rehat Maryada. Optionally additional prayers m ...
''. His raw name was Sodhi a shortened version of his name Surinder Singh. Sodhi also became a member of Harian Bela Nihang Dal where he learned ''
Gatka Gatka (; ; ; ) is a form of martial art associated primarily with the Sikhs of the Punjab and other related ethnic groups, such as Hindkowans and Pahari-Pothwari. It is a style of stick-fighting, with wooden sticks intended to simulate sw ...
,'' but would leave soon after and join
Damdami Taksal The Damdamī Ṭaksāl, Jatha Bhindra(n), or Sects of Sikhism, Sampardai Bhindra(n) is an orthodoxy, orthodox Khalsa Sikhism, Sikh cultural and educational organization, based in India. They are known for their teachings of ''Vidya (philosophy ...
where he would get full ''
Santhiya ''Santhiya'' or ''Santhya'' (; 'elocution') is the correct pronunciation (''ucharan'') of Gurbani, taught in the manner of the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. It is comparable to the Islamic ''tajwid''. Santhiya is almost always taught via a ' ...
'' of
Guru Granth Sahib The Guru Granth Sahib (, ) is the central holy religious scripture of Sikhism, regarded by Sikhs as the final, sovereign and eternal Guru following the lineage of the ten human gurus of the religion. The Adi Granth (), its first rendition, w ...
. Not much is known about Sodhi's early life. He was a radio mechanic in his twenties and was said to be a fine marksman. He was known for his skill in driving
motorcycle A motorcycle (motorbike, bike; uni (if one-wheeled); trike (if three-wheeled); quad (if four-wheeled)) is a lightweight private 1-to-2 passenger personal motor vehicle Steering, steered by a Motorcycle handlebar, handlebar from a saddle-style ...
s. His friends would say that he had a tape of ''
kirtan Sikh ''kirta''n with Indian harmoniums and '' Kenya.html" ;"title="tabla'' drums (a common and popular pairing), in Kenya">tabla'' drums (a common and popular pairing), in Kenya (1960s) ''Kirtana'' (; ), also rendered as ''Kiirtan'', ''Kirt ...
'' playing everywhere he would go. When asked why, Sodhi would say, "No one knows what may happen, when death will come. I want a peaceful death. If I get killed, at least my ears will be filled with the sound of ''kirtan'', not the sound of bullets."


Clash with Nirankari

On 27 August 1981, Surinder Singh Sodhi would be involved in a clash with
Nirankaris Nirankari (, ''lit.'' "formless one") is a sect of Sikhism.Harbans Singh, Editor-in-Chief (201Nirankaris Encyclopedia of Sikhism Volume III, Punjabi University, Patiala, pages 234–235 It was a reform movement founded by Baba Dyal Das in nor ...
. A group of Nirankaris allegedly made disrespectful remarks about the ''
Chola The Chola Empire, which is often referred to as the Imperial Cholas, was a medieval thalassocratic empire based in southern India that was ruled by the Chola dynasty, and comprised overseas dominions, protectorates and spheres of influence ...
'' of Sodhi and some Nihangs. In response, Sodhi grabbed a rake and began beating the group, injuring 15 and leading to his arrest. The officer who had arrested Sodhi would be called by Bhindranwale, who demanded the immediate release of Sodhi. The arresting officer would comply and Sodhi would be released.


Joining Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale

The first time Sodhi met Bhindranwale after his release they are said to have hugged each other. Bhindranwale praised Sodhi for his work. Sodhi would quickly become close to Bhindranwale, eventually becoming his chief bodyguard and transport minister for his ability to drive anything from a scooter to an aeroplane. Sodhi was dubbed by Bhindranwale as his right-hand man and right arm. He was valued by Bhindranwale for his expertise in weapons and was the only Sikh with Bhindranwale who could use an
RPG RPG may refer to: Military * Rocket-propelled grenade, a shoulder-launched anti-tank weapon **''Ruchnoi Protivotankoviy Granatomyot'' (Russian: ''Ручной Противотанковый Гранатомёт''), hand-held anti-tank grenade laun ...
. He was praised by Bhindranwale for his ability to ride a motorcycle with excellence. It is said that around this time Sodhi spent 3 months in ''
simran Simran (Gurmukhi: ਸਿਮਰਨ, pronunciation: ; ; from Sanskrit: , ''smaraṇa'', 'to remember, reminisce, recollect'), in spirituality, is a Hindi and Punjabi word referring to the continuous remembrance of the finest aspect of the self, ...
'' not eating or sleeping.


Militancy

Sodhi was said to have never turned down a mission given by Bhindranwale.


Early militancy

In 1981, Sodhi, under orders from Bhindranwale, bought 18 pistols and a plethora of ammunition near the
Nepal Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is mainly situated in the Himalayas, but also includes parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China Ch ...
border with another Sikh.ਖਾੜਕੂ ਯੋਧੇ in Punjabi by Maninder Singh Baja Sodhi was pulled over and arrested in
Sonipat Sonipat is a planned industrial city and administrative headquarter in Sonipat district of Haryana state of India. It comes under the National Capital Region and is around from New Delhi. It lies 214 km (128 miles) southwest of Chandigar ...
,
Haryana Haryana () is a States and union territories of India, state located in the northern part of India. It was carved out after the linguistic reorganisation of Punjab, India, Punjab on 1 November 1966. It is ranked 21st in terms of area, with les ...
. He was charged for smuggling weapons. Sodhi was soon bailed out by the family of the fellow militant arrested for 50,000 rupees. (Equivalent to 1 million rupees in 2023, or US$12,500 in 2023) On 28 September 1981, damage was done to the railway track between Nasrala and Sham Churasi railway station in Hoshiarpur. Sodhi would be arrested for this. Sodhi would be tortured while in jail by the SSP (Senior Superintendent of Police) of Hoshiarpur District,
Avtar Singh Atwal Avtar Singh Atwal was an Indian police officer who served as the Deputy Inspector General of the Punjab Police. He was murdered by three unknown extremists on the steps of Golden temple while leaving after prayers on 25 April 1983 concluded by ...
. After being transferred to Jalandhar Jail and a year since his arrest Sodhi would be bailed out by a local resident. Sodhi would not show up to his scheduled hearing and became wanted by police. On 4 August 1982, Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, with
Harchand Singh Longowal Harchand Singh Longowal (2 January 1932 – 20 August 1985) was the President of the Akali Dal political party during the Punjab insurgency of the 1980s. He had signed the Punjab accord, also known as the Rajiv-Longowal Accord with Rajiv Gandhi ...
, launched
Dharam Yudh Morcha The Dharam Yuddh Morcha () ("righteous campaign") was a political movement launched on 4 August 1982, by the Shiromani Akali Dal in partnership with Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, with its stated aim being the fulfillment of a set of devolutiona ...
. Sodhi was released after the Morcha began and joined the Morcha out of genuine conviction.


Killing Nirankari Star Resham Singh

On 27 October 1982, Surinder Singh Sodhi, and
Labh Singh Sukhdev Singh Dhillon (1952 – 12 July 1988), also known as General Labh Singh and Sukha Sipahi was an Indian militant, police officer, and Sikh separatist who took command of the Khalistan Commando Force after its first leader, Manbir Singh ...
killed Resham Singh. Resham was the Sant Nirankari head of
Hoshiarpur District Hoshiarpur district is a district of Punjab, India, Punjab state in northern India. Hoshiarpur, one of the oldest districts of Punjab, is located in the North-east part of the Punjab state and shares common boundaries with Gurdaspur district in ...
and 1 of the 7 Sant Nirankari stars which were the Sant Nirankari version of the
Panj Pyare Panj Pyare (, ', the five beloved ones) refers to a gathered ad hoc quintet of five baptised (''Amritdhari'') Khalsa Sikhs who act as institutionalized leaders for the wider Sikh community. Function The Panj Pyare are convened for pressing ma ...
. Following the
1978 Sikh–Nirankari clash The 1978 Sikh–Nirankari clash occurred between the Sant Nirankari Mission and Sikhs of Damdami Taksal and Akhand Kirtani Jatha on 13 April 1978 in Amritsar, Punjab, India. Sixteen people—thirteen traditional Sikhs and three Nirankari follow ...
, which saw 13 Sikh killed and 150 injured, Nirankari were expelled by the
Akal Takht The Akal Takht (; ), also spelt as Akal Takhat and historically known as Akal Bunga, is the most prominent of the Takht (Sikhism), five takhts (Seat (legal entity), seats of authority) of the Sikhs. Located within the Golden Temple, Darbar Sah ...
out of the Sikh fold and became a target of attacks. Sodhi and Labh Singh had disguised themselves as police. They had approached Resham posing as officers who just wanted to chat. As Resham was talking about Bhindranwale, supposedly negatively, Labh Singh and Sodhi pulled out stenguns and opened fire killing him instantly. It is said that Sodhi and Labh Singh fled on a
Royal Enfield Bullet The Royal Enfield Bullet is an overhead valve, single-cylinder, four-stroke motorcycle initially made by Royal Enfield in Redditch, Worcestershire England. It is now produced by Royal Enfield at Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, a company originally ...
and fired victory shots. Ajit Newspaper 15 July 1988


Looting Home Guards armoury

On 4 April 1983, the
Akali Dal The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) (translation: ''Supreme Eternal Party'') is a Centre-right politics, centre-right Sikhism, Sikh-centric state political party in Punjab, India, Punjab, India. The party is the second-oldest in India, after Indian ...
launched
Rasta Roko Morcha The Rasta Roko Morcha (Meaning block the roads agitation) was an agitation launched in India by the Akali Dal in April 1983 under Harchand Singh Longowal as part of Dharam Yudh Morcha. Background Dharam Yudh Morcha was an agitation launched by ...
as part of
Dharam Yudh Morcha The Dharam Yuddh Morcha () ("righteous campaign") was a political movement launched on 4 August 1982, by the Shiromani Akali Dal in partnership with Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, with its stated aim being the fulfillment of a set of devolutiona ...
. At Kup Kalan near
Malerkotla Malerkotla is a city and the district headquarters of Malerkotla district in the Indian state of Punjab, India, Punjab. It served as the seat of the eponymous princely state during the British Raj. The state acceded to the Dominion of India, un ...
, where Rasta Roko Morcha protesters were, security forces and
paramilitary A paramilitary is a military that is not a part of a country's official or legitimate armed forces. The Oxford English Dictionary traces the use of the term "paramilitary" as far back as 1934. Overview Though a paramilitary is, by definiti ...
forces opened "indiscriminate and unprovoked" fire which resulted in the death of 24 or 26 protesters and the burning of shops and tractors. Around 1,000 protestors were jailed and around 500 protestors and police were also wounded.24 Sikh Protestors Killed by Police The Hour 1983/04/05 Page 1 10 days after Rasta Roko Morcha, a Home Guards armoury in
Ferozepur Firozpur, (pronunciation: ɪroːzpʊr also known as Ferozepur, is a city on the banks of the Sutlej River in the Firozpur District of Punjab, India. After the Partition of India in 1947, it became a border town on the India–Pakistan bor ...
was looted in revenge. It was looted by Surinder Singh Sodhi and his accomplices. Sodhi seized 28 .303
service rifle A service rifle (or standard-issue rifle) is a rifle a military issues to its regular infantry. In modern militaries, this is generally a versatile, rugged, and reliable assault rifle or battle rifle, suitable for use in nearly all environments ...
s, 14 stenguns, and 360 rounds of ammunition.


Killing Inspector Bhagwan Singh Karianwala

On 30 May 1983, Surinder Singh Sodhi along with Major Singh Nagoke and Labh Singh killed Inspector Bhagwan Singh Karianwala. He was gunned down in
Sultanpur Lodhi Sultanpur Lodhi is a city and a Municipal Council, from Kapurthala city in the Kapurthala district in the Indian state of Punjab. The town is named after its founder, Bahlul Khan Lodi, the future Sultan of Delhi who renamed the town in 1 ...
in a busy market while patrolling. Bhagwan was killed along with his gunmen, a police constable. Sodhi, Labh and Nagoke grabbed the guns of the killed policemen, those being a stengun and revolver. Bhagwan had been accused by Bhindranwale as being one of the leading officers in the torture of Sikhs.


Killing Inspector Rattan Chand Shandra

On 18 June 1983, Sodhi and
Manbir Singh Chaheru Bhai Manbir Singh Chaheru (1959 – December 1987), also known as General Hari Singh was an Indian militant, Sikh separatist, and the first leader of the Khalistan Commando Force. Early life Singh was born in 1959 in the village of Chaheru to ...
shot dead chief of Criminal Investigation Agency
Phagwara Phagwara (; ISO 15919, ISO: ''Phagawāṛā'') is a city and a municipal corporation in the Kapurthala district of Punjab, India, Punjab. It is located from the district headquarters of Kapurthala, from the national capital New Delhi, from St ...
Inspector Rattan Chand Sharda in his office. At 10:30 AM Chaheru and Sodhi walked into Sharda’s office and shot him 12 times as he sat in his chair. Sharda was involved in the police firing at
Rasta Roko Morcha The Rasta Roko Morcha (Meaning block the roads agitation) was an agitation launched in India by the Akali Dal in April 1983 under Harchand Singh Longowal as part of Dharam Yudh Morcha. Background Dharam Yudh Morcha was an agitation launched by ...
. At Kup Kalan near
Malerkotla Malerkotla is a city and the district headquarters of Malerkotla district in the Indian state of Punjab, India, Punjab. It served as the seat of the eponymous princely state during the British Raj. The state acceded to the Dominion of India, un ...
, where Rasta Roko Morcha protesters were, security forces and
paramilitary A paramilitary is a military that is not a part of a country's official or legitimate armed forces. The Oxford English Dictionary traces the use of the term "paramilitary" as far back as 1934. Overview Though a paramilitary is, by definiti ...
forces opened "indiscriminate and unprovoked" fire which resulted in the death of 24 or 26 protesters and the burning of shops and tractors. Around 1,000 protestors were jailed and around 500 protestors and police were also wounded.24 Sikh Protestors Killed by Police The Hour 1983/04/05 Page 1


Killing Nirankari leader Kultara Singh

On 21 July 1983, Surinder Singh Sodhi killed the Nirankari head of Hoshiarpur, Kultara Singh. Kultara was killed by Sodhi outside of a tailor shop. He was chased by police but managed to escape.


Escape from police

Sodhi was wanted by police. He was once spotted by police who surrounded the area preventing escape. Sodhi looked for a way to escape, but found only one way. It was a railway line. To escape Sodhi drove his motorcycle, a
bullet A bullet is a kinetic projectile, a component of firearm ammunition that is shot from a gun barrel. They are made of a variety of materials, such as copper, lead, steel, polymer, rubber and even wax; and are made in various shapes and constru ...
, on a single beam of the rail track for 3 miles. He escaped the police. This story became a folktale.


Killing Inspector Gurcharan Singh Sansi

On 15 August 1983, at around 1:15 PM Surinder Singh Sodhi, Major Singh Nagoke, and Labh Singh, from a motorcycle, opened fire on and killed Inspector Gurcharan Singh Sansi who was also on a motorcycle. Sansi was killed in
Muktsar Sri Muktsar Sahib ( ), often referred to as simply Muktsar, is a historical city and district headquarters in Punjab, India. The 2011 census of India put the total population of Sri Muktsar Sahib municipality at 117,085, making it the 14th larg ...
. Sodhi had been hunting for Sansi for much time. On 15 August he saw Sansi. Sodhi, Labh and Nagoke had driven beside Sansi. Sodhi drove the motorcycle while Nagoke, and Labh shot Sansi. His gunmen a police constable was shot, but managed to survive in an injured state. Both of their weapons were taken by Sodhi. Sodhi, Nagoke, and Labh drove away shouting "'' Bole so Nihal; Sat Sri Akal''". Sansi had been accused of killing and "drinking the blood" of Sikhs by Bhindranwale. He was accused of being the leading officer in the torture of Sikhs. A lyric from a famous dhadi ballad about this translates to, "3 Singhs of the
Guru Guru ( ; International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration, IAST: ''guru'') is a Sanskrit term for a "mentor, guide, expert, or master" of certain knowledge or field. In pan-Indian religions, Indian traditions, a guru is more than a teacher: tr ...
came like a horse; At the opportunity they came to Mukhtsar and brought freedom; A new flag has been flown by the ''motorcyclewale''. (Literally those who ride motorcycles; referring to ''Kharkus'') Sansi was put on the car of death by ''motorcyclewale;'' Sansi was put on the train of death by the ''motorcyclewale''."


Bank Robbery

On 21 September 1983, Surinder Singh Sodhi and others looted 27,000 rupees (Equivalent to 450,000 rupees in 2023, or US$5,500 in 2023) from
Punjab and Sind bank Punjab & Sind Bank is an Public sector banks in India, Indian public sector bank headquartered in New Delhi. the bank has 1570 branches, which are widely spread across India. The largest number of branches are in the state of Punjab, India, Pu ...
in
Amritsar Amritsar, also known as Ambarsar, is the second-List of cities in Punjab, India by population, largest city in the India, Indian state of Punjab, India, Punjab, after Ludhiana. Located in the Majha region, it is a major cultural, transportatio ...
.


Killing Sergeant Makhan Singh

On 26 September 1983, Makhan Singh, a Sergeant (According to some sources a Head Constable or a S.H.O.) of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Surjit Singh, was killed in Putlighar area of Amritsar outside of a hotel by Surinder Singh Sodhi and Labh Singh. Makhan had made his way to a hotel where Labh Singh and Sodhi were in disguise. Labh Singh and Sodhi had been hunting Makhan for some time. Sodhi, upon recognising Makhan shouted, "Makhan, run if you can, we have come to finish you off." Makhan was shot in the shoulder by Labh Singh. He ran out of the hotel and attempted to flee, but failed to do so and was killed outside with a spray of bullets in his head and chest. Sodhi and Labh Singh made a quick getaway. Police conducted multiple searches to find them, but they proved futile. Makhan had been on the hit list of militants for much time. Makhan had been named by Sant Jarnail Singh as someone who was an enemy of Sikhs. He was also accused of being part of the torture and extrajudicial execution of Kulwant Singh Nagoke. Jarnail Singh accused him of 13 extrajudicial killings. A famous lyric from a Kavishari song about this incident translates to, "Makhan was doing great sins regularly; his death came beautifully."


Attack on DSP Gurbachan Singh

On 29 October 1983, Surinder Singh Sodhi with Makhan Singh Babbar and Labh Singh attacked retired DSP (Deputy Superintenat of Police) Gurbachan Singh also known as Bachan Singh. Gurbachan was at a shop owned by his son. Sodhi and the others first disguised themselves as police officers. They then made their way to Gurbachan. Sodhi, Makhan, and Labh attacked Gurbachan and his security with stenguns. The attack turned into a 30 minute shootout with a
constable A constable is a person holding a particular office, most commonly in law enforcement. The office of constable can vary significantly in different jurisdictions. ''Constable'' is commonly the rank of an officer within a police service. Other peo ...
and salesmen being killed. A head constable, Karnail Singh, would later die of his wounds. Gurbachan lived by taking cover and playing dead. Surinder Singh Sodhi was injured in the attack. Makhan Singh was also injured in the attack and would receive blood from
Manbir Singh Chaheru Bhai Manbir Singh Chaheru (1959 – December 1987), also known as General Hari Singh was an Indian militant, Sikh separatist, and the first leader of the Khalistan Commando Force. Early life Singh was born in 1959 in the village of Chaheru to ...
to live. Gurbachan Singh had tortured
Amrik Singh Amrik Singh (24 February 1948 – 6 June 1984) was the President of the All India Sikh Students Federation. He was killed in the Indian Army's operation on the Golden Temple on June 6, 1984. Amrik Singh was the son of Giani Kartar Singh Bhindran ...
He also had tortured Kulwant Singh Nagoke and after killed him in an extrajudicial execution. He was also involved in other extrajudicial executions. He had been named by Jarnail Singh as an enemy of the ''
Panth Panth (also panthan, meaning "path" in Sanskrit), also called the Sampradaya, is the term used for several religious traditions in India. A panth is founded by a guru or an acharya in guru-shishya parampara, and is often led by scholars or senior ...
'' and someone who, "..drank Sikh blood".


Jewellery store robbery

On 26 November 1983, Surinder Singh Sodhi robbed 1,500,000 rupees (Equivalent to 25,000,000 rupees in 2023, or US$305,000 in 2023) from a jewellery shop in
Karol Bagh Karol Bagh (also spelled Qarol Bagh, ) is a neighborhood in Central District of Delhi, India. It is a mixed residential and commercial neighborhood known for shopping streets, such as the Ghaffar Market and Ajmal Khan Road. It was home to th ...
,
Delhi Delhi, officially the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, is a city and a union territory of India containing New Delhi, the capital of India. Straddling the Yamuna river, but spread chiefly to the west, or beyond its Bank (geography ...
.


Attack on Deputy Speaker Ved Pal

On 9 March 1984, Surinder Singh Sodhi along with Labh Singh, and Gurmit Singh (alias Sukha) attacked the motorcade of Deputy Speaker of the
Haryana Legislative Assembly The Haryana Legislative Assembly (ISO: ''Hariyāṇā Vidhāna Sabhā'') is the unicameral legislature of the Indian state of Haryana. The seating of the assembly is at Chandigarh, the capital of the state. There are seats in the house fil ...
Ved Pal with stenguns while on a motorcycle. Ved Pal was attacked when he was going from Delhi to Karnal. MLA Shanti Devi was along with Ved Pal at the time of the attack. Labh Singh and his associates opened fire from a motorcycle with stenguns. The driver was killed, and a gunman seriously injured. Others escaped with minor injuries.


Killing DSGMC President Harbans Singh Manchanda

On 28 March 1984, Surinder Singh Sodhi killed
Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) is organization in India responsible for the management of  Gurdwaras, Sikh places of worship in the City of Delhi. It also manages various educational institutions, hospitals, old age ...
president Harbans Singh Manchanda. Manchanda was killed in broad daylight in
Delhi Delhi, officially the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, is a city and a union territory of India containing New Delhi, the capital of India. Straddling the Yamuna river, but spread chiefly to the west, or beyond its Bank (geography ...
. He had become enemies with Akali Dal after holding his presidency 2 years after his term expired. He was also targeted for his links with Indira Gandhi's
Congress A congress is a formal meeting of the representatives of different countries, constituent states, organizations, trade unions, political parties, or other groups. The term originated in Late Middle English to denote an encounter (meeting of ...
. Manchanda had stopped at a red light in his car. Sodhi and another walked up to him and pumped 7 bullets into Manchanda. The driver was also shot when he tried to intervene. Manchanda's bodyguard missed all the shots he fired. The driver survived. The killing was described as greatly planned and led to suspicions of an insider who helped.


Killing BJP MLA Harbans Lal Khanna

On 2 April 1984, Surinder Singh Sodhi along with Labh Singh killed former MLA Harbans Lal Khanna in his medical shop in Amritsar. Khanna was the BJP district president at the time. His bodyguard and 1 customer of his shop were also killed. Sodhi and Labh Singh also burned down a police jeep by Khanna's shop. Sodhi and Labh Singh had posed as police officers. Sodhi waited outside on a motorcycle as Labh Singh entered the shop. Labh Singh opened fire with a stengun killing Khann's bodyguard and others, all of whom were sitting. Khanna shouted frantically. Labh Singh said, "
Dhoti The dhoti is an ankle-length breechcloth, wrapped around the waist and the legs, in resemblance to the shape of trousers. The dhoti is a garment of ethnic wear for men in the Indian subcontinent. The dhoti is fashioned out of a rectangular p ...
, topi (hat), at
Yamuna The Yamuna (; ) is the second-largest tributary river of the Ganges by discharge and the longest tributary in India. Originating from the Yamunotri Glacier at a height of about on the southwestern slopes of Bandarpunch peaks of the Low ...
. Long live Khalistan." He then killed Khanna. Khanna had raised slogans translating to, "We are not going to let any second or third group exist, we are not going to let a
turban A turban (from Persian language, Persian دولبند‌, ''dolband''; via Middle French ''turbant'') is a type of headwear based on cloth winding. Featuring many variations, it is worn as customary headwear by people of various cultures. Commun ...
remain on any head; the
kacchera Kacchera or Kachera () or Kaccha () are an undergarment for the lower body that is specially tailored for shalwar with a tie-knot ''naala'' or ''naada'' drawstring worn by fully initiated Sikhs. They are similar to European boxer shorts in a ...
, the
kara Kara or KARA may refer to: Geography Localities * Kara, Chad, a sub-prefecture * Kára, Hungary, a village * Kara, Uttar Pradesh, India, a township * Kara, Iran, a village in Lorestan Province * Kara, Republic of Dagestan, a rural locality in ...
, the
kirpan The kirpan (; pronunciation: Help:IPA/Punjabi, ɪɾpaːn is a blade that Khalsa Sikhs are required to wear as part of their religious uniform, as prescribed by the Rehat, Sikh Code of Conduct. Traditionally, the kirpan was a full-sized '' ...
, send these to Pakistan". In February 1984 he led a mob that destroyed a replica of the Golden Temple at Amritsar railway station and put feces and lit cigarettes on a painting of
Guru Ram Das Guru Ram Das (Gurmukhi: ਗੁਰੂ ਰਾਮ ਦਾਸ, pronunciation: ; 24 September 1534 – 1 September 1581), sometimes spelled as Guru Ramdas, was the fourth of the ten Sikh gurus. He was born to a family based in Lahore, who ...
which had been on display for many years. All of this had made him a prime target for Sikhs. The killing of Khanna led to a 48-hour curfew in Amritsar and paramilitary and army deployment to the city. Soon rioting also broke out. The riots left at least 7 dead. A famous lyric from a Kavishari song about this incident translates to, "Jago (Referring to Sikh revolution) made Harbans Lal Khanna spill red. Don’t go against the words of Singhs. Those who did have been "taught"(killed). ''
Kara Kara or KARA may refer to: Geography Localities * Kara, Chad, a sub-prefecture * Kára, Hungary, a village * Kara, Uttar Pradesh, India, a township * Kara, Iran, a village in Lorestan Province * Kara, Republic of Dagestan, a rural locality in ...
'', ''
kachera Kacchera or Kachera () or Kaccha () are an undergarment for the lower body that is specially tailored for shalwar with a tie-knot ''naala'' or ''naada'' drawstring worn by fully initiated Sikhs. They are similar to European boxer shorts in a ...
'', will remain here; Your (Harbnas Lal Khanna) evening has been brought. ''Jago'' has arrived; From where did it come; From Bhindranwale Sant; The ''motorcyclewale'' have moved to forward".


Killing MP Dr. V.N. Tiwari

On 3 April 1984, Surinder Singh Sodhi killed
Rajya Sabha member Rajya Sabha (Council of States) is the upper house of the Parliament of India and functions as the institutional representation of India’s federal units — the states and union territories.https://rajyasabha.nic.in/ It is a key component o ...
of the
Congress A congress is a formal meeting of the representatives of different countries, constituent states, organizations, trade unions, political parties, or other groups. The term originated in Late Middle English to denote an encounter (meeting of ...
party and professor Dr. V. N. Tiwari. Tiwari was killed in his home in
Chandigarh Chandigarh is a city and union territory in northern India, serving as the shared capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana. Situated near the foothills of the Shivalik range of Himalayas, it borders Haryana to the east and Punjab in the ...
. According to police Sodhi and another knocked on Tiwari's door. When a worker opened the door they claimed to be students from
Patiala Patiala () is a city in southeastern Punjab, India, Punjab, northwestern India. It is the fourth largest city in the state and is the administrative capital of Patiala district. Patiala is located around the ''Qila Mubarak, Patiala, Qila Mubar ...
wanting to see Tiwari. Tiwari came and invited them in. One stayed at the door while one came in. He fired 6 bullets into Tiwari at point-blank range and fled into a getaway vehicle, a grey
fiat Fiat Automobiles S.p.A., commonly known as simply Fiat ( , ; ), is an Italian automobile manufacturer. It became a part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in 2014 and, in 2021, became a subsidiary of Stellantis through its Italian division, Stellant ...
, waiting for them. A note left by
Dashmesh Regiment The Dashmesh Regiment is a militant group, and is part of the Khalistan movement to create a Sikh homeland called Khalistan via armed struggle. History The Dashmesh Regiment ''jathebandi'' group has claimed responsibility for two of the killi ...
claimed responsibility. They said they would kill ''one senior officer every day in Punjab'' until the ban on the All India Sikh Student Federation is lifted. The killing sent shockwaves throughout India. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi said, ''The killing of such a person is an index of the madness which has seized the terrorists''. The day after the killing the entire opposition in the
Lok Sabha The Lok Sabha, also known as the House of the People, is the lower house of Parliament of India which is Bicameralism, bicameral, where the upper house is Rajya Sabha. Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Members of the Lok Sabha are elected by a ...
walked out and boycotted proceedings in honour of Tiwari.


Chief Minister of Haryana Bhajan Lal

Surinder Singh Sodhi was given the duty of killing Bhajan Lal the
Chief Minister of Haryana The chief minister of Haryana is the chief executive of the Indian state of Haryana. As per the Constitution of India, the governor is a state's ''de jure'' head, but '' de facto'' executive authority rests with the chief minister. Following ele ...
by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. Bhajan Lal had started the construction of SYL which was opposed by Sikh. Bhajan Lal as head of the Haryana government in November 1982 had Sikh indiscriminately stopped, searched, and humiliated who planned to hold a protest at the Delhi Asia Games. Bhindranwale blamed Bhajan Lal for rioting against Sikh in Haryana during early 1984. The rioting saw the burning of 24 ''saroops'' of
Guru Granth Sahib The Guru Granth Sahib (, ) is the central holy religious scripture of Sikhism, regarded by Sikhs as the final, sovereign and eternal Guru following the lineage of the ten human gurus of the religion. The Adi Granth (), its first rendition, w ...
, 6
Gurdwara A gurdwara or gurudwara () is a place of assembly and place of worship, worship in Sikhism, but its normal meaning is "place of guru" or "home of guru". Sikhism, Sikhs also refer to gurdwaras as ''Gurdwara Sahib''. People from all faiths and rel ...
s, shaving 125 Sikh, and stripping 3 Sikh girls. All of this made Bhajan Lal a key target. Once Sodhi was in range of shooting Bhajan Lal, but had been ordered to chop off Bhajan Lal's head by Bhindranwale. Because of his devotion to honour Bhindranwale's words Sodhi left Bhajan Lal. Bhindranwale would later claim that Sodhi would have killed Bhajan Lal if Sohi lived 15 days more.


Death and aftermath

On 14 April 1984, Surinder Singh Sodhi was shot and killed while drinking milk in a shop in Amritsar by Surinder Singh Shinda and Baljit Kaur. Baljit Kaur had attempted to assassinate Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale on 13 April, but backed out. Baljit Kaur, would go to the Golden Temple after the killing and confessed to the murder. Baljit Kaur would be interrogated by Bhindranwale. She would admit to the other killer being her boyfriend Surinder Singh Shinda and to being paid 200,000 rupees (3.1 million rupees in 2023, or US$37,500 in 2023) by Gurcharan Singh, the
general secretary Secretary is a title often used in organizations to indicate a person having a certain amount of authority, Power (social and political), power, or importance in the organization. Secretaries announce important events and communicate to the org ...
of
Akali Dal The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) (translation: ''Supreme Eternal Party'') is a Centre-right politics, centre-right Sikhism, Sikh-centric state political party in Punjab, India, Punjab, India. The party is the second-oldest in India, after Indian ...
led by
Harchand Singh Longowal Harchand Singh Longowal (2 January 1932 – 20 August 1985) was the President of the Akali Dal political party during the Punjab insurgency of the 1980s. He had signed the Punjab accord, also known as the Rajiv-Longowal Accord with Rajiv Gandhi ...
, to do the killing. She also implicated others. Bhindranwale in a speech would say, "They (Akali Dal) killed our young men. They severed my right arm... I know what role that lion, that son of his mother played in seeking vengeance for the martyrs". Bhindranwale stressed that if Sodhi lived 15 days more Bhajan Lal would be dead. Bhindranwale vowed revenge and to punish those responsible in 48 hours. With this Labh Singh and others made their way to punish the culprits. The first revenge attack was on Jasit Singh the owner of the tea shop where Sodhi was killed. He and a co-conspirator were shot dead the day after. Bachan Singh (alias Toti) was found dead with him being torched. He was a co-conspirator. Labh Singh and others killed Surinder Singh Shinda. They had stopped Shinda at a fake police checkpoint made by Labh Singh and others. He was chopped into 7 pieces for shooting Sodhi 7 times. Baljit Kaur was tortured to death with her breasts chopped off. Her body dumbed. Malik Bhaita, the Akali Dal head of Amritsar, confessed to his role in arranging the taxi for Shinda's escape. He was momentarily forgiven by Bhindranwale, but while leaving the Golden Temple Complex Bhaita would be slashed with swords by Bhindranwale's followers. Bhaita attempted to flee to Longowal, but would be killed with a bullet. He put a signboard up in view of Longowal's office saying, "Sodhi's murder avenged within 48 hours. The other conspirators should look after themselves now." Longowal feared that he would be killed next and managed to have
Babbar Khalsa Babbar Khalsa, officially Babbar Khalsa International (BKI, , ), is a Khalistani militant organisation that aims to create an independent nation-state of Khalistan in the Punjab region. It has used armed attacks, assassinations and bombings in ...
side with him and provide security. 130 Akali leaders and 40 SGPC members revolted against Longowal and sided with Bhindranwale. With this Akali Dal under Longowal and Indira Gandhi agreed they had to 'neutralise' Bhindranwale. On 25 April 1984, Longowal wrote a letter to
Indira Gandhi Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi (Given name, ''née'' Nehru; 19 November 1917 – 31 October 1984) was an Indian politician and stateswoman who served as the Prime Minister of India, prime minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 un ...
informing her that Gurcharan Singh's life is in danger since his role in plot to kill Sodhi is out. He calls on Gandhi to protect Gurcharan. Longowal also says in the letter, "Most of Bhindranwale men will run away when they see the army and most probably he will too". During
Operation Blue Star Operation Blue Star was a military operation by the Indian Armed Forces conducted between 1 and 10 June 1984 to remove Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and other Sikh militants from the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), a holy site of Sikhism, and i ...
Gurcharan Singh would be killed by Bhindranwale and his followers.


References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sodhi, Surinder Singh Khalistan movement people Insurgency in Punjab 1962 births 1984 deaths