'Babbar Khalsa International's Large-Scale Extortion From Businessmen': NIA Charge Sheet Reveals In Punjab Terror Case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday (21 October) submitted a chargesheet against Gurpreet Singh, a key associate of Khalistani terrorists Harwinder Singh Sandhu Rinda and Lakhbir Singh Landa, in connection with the 2022 Punjab terror conspiracy case.

The chargesheet was filed before the NIA Special Court in Mohali, implicating Gurpreet Singh, also known as Gopi, from Tarn Taran district for playing a significant role in a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI)-led conspiracy to carry out acts of terror in Punjab and other regions across India.

The accused is an associate of foreign-based individual Designated Terrorists Rinda and Landa of the banned terrorist organisation BKI. Investigations revealed his involvement in the Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) attack on the Sarhali police station in December 2022.

Gurpreet allegedly maintained contact with his handlers abroad, even while in prison and after his release. The NIA's probe also found that Gurpreet conspired to raise funds for BKI and its operatives in India through 'large-scale extortion' from businessmen, following orders from Landa.

He was involved in recruiting young individuals for the BKI's terror network, conducting reconnaissance of identified targets, and attempting to eliminate them. In January, the NIA seized an illegal weapon from Gurpreet's residence during a search operation.