Babbar Khalistan International terrorist Tarsem Singh Sandhu extradited by Abu Dhabi CBI NIA Mohali RPG attack case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in collaboration with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Interpol, has successfully secured the return of Babbar Khalistan International (BKI) terrorist Tarsem Singh to India. Singh, who is wanted in connection with multiple terror cases, including a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attack on the Punjab Police Intelligence headquarters in Mohali, was extradited from Abu Dhabi on Friday, officials confirmed.

The operation culminated on Friday morning when Singh was brought back to Delhi by an NIA security mission and subsequently arrested. Singh was faced with an Interpol Red Notice, issued at the instance of the NIA, which allowed his location and arrest in Abu Dhabi.

RED NOTICE SUBJECT WANTED FOR TERRORIST ACTIVITIES RETURNED FROM UAE VIA INTERPOL CHANNELS photo.twitter.com/5QFU5pXNLj

— Central Bureau of Investigation (India) (@CBIHeadquarters) August 9, 2024

The CBI worked with the Interpol General Secretariat to send the Red Notice to all Member States on 13 November 2023.

“Singh is a key member of the terrorist organisation Babbar Khalistan International and a major terror hub of designated terrorists Rinda and Landa in the UAE,” a CBI spokesperson said. Tarsem Singh is the brother of designated individual terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Landa and has been linked to numerous terror activities, including the RPG attack on the Mohali headquarters of the Punjab Police in May 2022.

ALSO READ | ‘RDX at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus’: Mumbai Police respond to bomb threat, hunt for caller

NIA case against Tarsem Singh Sandhu

Singh was initially detained in Abu Dhabi in November 2023 following Interpol’s Red Corner Notice. His involvement in terror activities includes arranging and providing funds to India-based associates of Harwinder Sandhu alias Rinda and Lakhbir Singh alias Landa. The NIA alleges that Singh also facilitated the channeling of terror funds through multiple routes.

The NIA had on August 20, 2022, filed a case against Singh in connection with the terror activities of leaders and members of banned terrorist organisations such as Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), BKI and International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF). According to an official statement, these organisations have set up a vast network of terror operators across India, who smuggle arms, ammunition, explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) across the border through operatives and members of organised criminal gangs.

The investigation further revealed that these organisations were involved in drug trafficking, extortion and hawala trading to generate money for terrorist activities on Indian soil.