NIA Secures Extradition of Key Aide in Pro-Khalistan Terror Network from UAE

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Tarsem Singh, an aide to notorious terrorists Harwinder Sandhu and Lakhbir Singh, following his extradition from the UAE. Singh is implicated in funding terror operations linked to the Babbar Khalistan International (BKI) organization.

In a significant triumph against the pro-Khalistan terror network, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) apprehended a prime aide of foreign-based terrorists Harwinder Sandhu (Rinda) and Lakhbir Singh (Landa) on Friday, following his successful extradition from the UAE. According to an NIA release, the accused, Tarsem Singh from Tarn Taran district in Punjab and brother of Designated Individual Terrorist Lakhbir Landa, has had a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against him since June 2023. Singh was initially detained in Abu Dhabi in November 2023 after the issuance of the NBW by an NIA special court and a subsequent Red Corner Notice by INTERPOL. Eventually, on Friday, he was extradited to India in compliance with INTERPOL's due processes.

The NIA has identified Singh as a significant figure in case RC 37/2022/NIA/DLI. He was a crucial member of the Babbar Khalistan International (BKI) terrorist organization and a vital terror node for designated terrorists Rinda and Landa in the UAE, stated the release. According to the NIA investigation, Tarsem Singh played an active role in arranging and supplying terror funds to India-based associates of Sandhu alias Rinda and Landa. He was involved in directing terror funds through various channels. The NIA had registered the case suo moto on August 20, 2022. This case pertains to the terrorist activities of leaders and members of banned organizations such as the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), BKI, and the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), who have established a vast network of terror operators across India. NIA investigations have uncovered that these groups are collaborating with operatives or members of terror outfits and organized crime syndicates to smuggle arms, ammunition, explosives, and IEDs across the border. They have been utilizing narcotic trafficking, extortion, hawala trading, and other means to generate funds for their terrorist activities in India. Further investigations in the case are underway, the release added.