The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has announced substantial cash rewards for information that can help in the apprehension of five key terrorists associated with the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), a banned terror outfit linked to the Khalistani movement. Among the terrorists sought are Lakhbir Singh Landa, based in Canada, and Harwinder Singh Rinda, based in Pakistan. The NIA has offered a reward of ₹10 lakh each for information leading to the capture of Landa and Rinda, who play significant roles within the Khalistan machinery. Additionally, rewards of ₹5 lakh each have been declared for Parminder Singh Kaira alias Pattu, Satnam Singh alias Satbir Singh, and Yadvinder Singh alias Yadda.
The five individuals against whom rewards have been announced are all associated with BKI and are wanted for their involvement in a case related to the group’s terrorist activities aimed at disrupting peace and communal harmony in Punjab. Their actions include acts of terrorism, raising funds for BKI through smuggling terrorist hardware and narcotics into Punjab, as well as extensive extortion from businessmen and prominent individuals. These individuals are also implicated in cases related to targeted killings and attacks on law enforcement agencies with the aim of creating a climate of terror in Punjab.
The NIA further revealed that the suspects were involved in recruiting new members for BKI by luring them with financial incentives.
In addition to the rewards for these terrorists, the NIA has also released photographs of 43 individuals involved in Khalistani-gangster activities, including crimes such as murder, drug and weapons smuggling in Punjab, and participation in anti-India activities abroad. Some of these individuals are reportedly linked to Canada-based pro-Khalistan elements (PKEs), including Lakhbir Singh Landa, Hardeep Singh Nijjar of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs for Justice, among others.
The list of 43 suspects includes names such as Lawrence Bishnoi, Satwinderjeet Singh alias Goldy Brar, Kala Jatheri, Naveen Dabas, Sunil Balyan, and Amit Dagar. While Lawrence Bishnoi is already incarcerated, Sunil Balyan met his demise at the hands of rival gang members inside Tihar prison earlier this year. The NIA has called upon the public to provide information about any properties owned by these suspects.
The announcement by the NIA comes shortly after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. India categorically dismissed these claims as “absurd and motivated.” In response to the escalating anti-India activities and hate crimes, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued an advisory urging its citizens in Canada to exercise “utmost caution.”
Sources By Agencies
