NIA moves forward with charges against Babbar Khalsa member in Punjab terror case

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against Gurpreet Singh, alias Gopi, a key associate of Khalistani terrorists Harwinder Singh Sandhu, also known as Rinda, and Lakhbir Singh, alias Landa, in a Punjab terror conspiracy case. The chargesheet was submitted on October 21 to the NIA special court in Mohali. Gurpreet Singh has been identified as an associate of foreign-based terrorists linked to the banned organization Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).

The NIA's investigations have revealed his significant role in a conspiracy orchestrated by BKI operatives aimed at instigating terror in Punjab and across India. Among the serious allegations, Gurpreet is said to have participated in a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attack on the Sarhali police station in December 2022. Investigations indicate that he maintained communication with his foreign handlers while in jail and continued contacts post-release.

Furthermore, Gurpreet allegedly conspired to raise funds for BKI through extensive extortion schemes targeting local businessmen, acting on instructions from Lakhbir Singh. The investigation also uncovered that Gurpreet was involved in recruiting vulnerable youth for the BKI and conducted reconnaissance on potential targets identified by Lakhbir Singh. He allegedly attempted to eliminate these targets as part of the group's operations. During a search of Gurpreet's residence in January this year, the NIA seized illegal weapons, reinforcing the serious nature of the charges against him. He faces multiple charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Indian Penal Code, and the Arms Act, as the NIA intensifies its crackdown on terrorist activities linked to Khalistani factions in India.