NIA Court Cracks Down: Nine Sentenced in Drone Smuggling Case

A special NIA court in Mohali, Punjab, has sentenced nine individuals to imprisonment for their involvement in drone-based smuggling of arms and explosives linked to cross-border terrorism. The sentencing, including life terms and hefty fines, highlights India's efforts to tackle terror-linked smuggling operations.

A special NIA court in the Mohali district of Punjab has handed down prison sentences to nine individuals for their involvement in a drone-powered smuggling operation involving explosives and arms. This case is linked to terrorists Gurmeet Singh, alias Bagga, and Ranjeet Singh, alias Neeta, who are associated with banned groups.

The court found the defendants guilty under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Arms Act, and the Explosive Substances Act. Convicts Akashdeep Singh, Balwant Singh, Balbir Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Maan Singh, and Gurdev Singh received life imprisonment sentences accompanied by fines. Meanwhile, Shubhdeep Singh, Sajanpreet Singh, and Romandeep Singh were each sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) along with fines.

According to National Investigation Agency (NIA) investigations, the convicts were involved in the large-scale smuggling of arms, explosives, and counterfeit currency into India via drones. The drone drops, organized by Germany-based Bagga and Pakistan-based Neeta, took place in the Tarn Taran district of Punjab in 2019, as part of a broader terror conspiracy.