NIA Files Charges Against Two BKI Members for Punjab VHP Leader's Murder
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Synopsis
On February 14, the NIA charged two BKI operatives for the murder of VHP leader Vikas Prabhakar in Punjab. Dharminder Kumar and Harwinder Kumar face severe charges under various laws, with the investigation revealing intricate international ties and a larger conspiracy behind the crime.
Key Takeaways
- NIA has charged two BKI operatives.
- The murder involved a larger international conspiracy.
- Dharminder Kumar and Harwinder Kumar are key suspects.
- Vikas Bagga was shot in April last year.
- Investigation continues to uncover further details.
New Delhi, Feb 14 (NationPress) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has submitted a chargesheet against two members of the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist organization concerning the assassination of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Prabhakar, also known as Vikas Bagga, in Punjab.
The individuals named in the chargesheet are Dharminder Kumar, alias Kunal, and Harwinder Kumar, alias Sonu, who is currently evading capture and believed to be in Dubai.
They are facing allegations under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P) Act), the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and the Arms Act.
The VHP leader Vikas Bagga was fatally shot in April of last year by terrorists linked to the BKI faction. The incident occurred at his confectionery shop in Nangal, located in the Roopnagar district of Punjab.
Reports indicate that the assassination was part of a broader scheme orchestrated by BKI operatives from different nations, including Pakistan, under the oversight of BKI leader Wadhawa Singh Babbar. The operation was further coordinated by Harjit Singh, alias Laddi, and Kulbeer Singh, alias Sidhu, both based in Germany.
The NIA took over the investigation from the Punjab Police on May 9 of this year. The agency had previously filed charges against several other key individuals connected to the case, including Laddi, Sidhu, Wadhawa Singh, and shooters Mandeep Kumar, alias Mangli, and Surinder Kumar, alias Rikka.
The ongoing investigation has revealed that Laddi and Sidhu were instrumental in recruiting members for their terrorist organization, supplying them with logistical assistance, funding, and firearms to carry out the assassination.
Harwinder Kumar, alias Sonu, a resident of Nawanshahr, Punjab, is accused of transferring money to India and procuring the weapons used in the murder. Sonu, along with Laddi and Sidhu, financed Dharminder Kumar, alias Kunal, who acquired the weapons from a supplier in Madhya Pradesh.
The NIA's investigation has also revealed the involvement of a weapons dealer and other associates based overseas in the conspiracy. Authorities continue to work diligently to apprehend the fugitives and expose the complete extent of the plot.
