On Wednesday, the NIA (National Investigation Agency) declared a cash reward for anyone who provides information that helps capture Lakhbir Singh Sandhu, also known as ‘Landa’.
–
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken stronger actions against Khalistani terrorists. On Wednesday, they offered a cash reward for anyone who provides information that leads to the capture of Lakhbir Singh Sandhu, also known as ‘Landa,’ an operative of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).
Additionally, rewards were announced for information about four other BKI operatives: Harwinder Singh Sandhu, known as ‘Rinda,’ Parminder Singh Kaira, known as ‘Pattu,’ Satnam Singh, also recognized as ‘Satbir Singh’ or ‘Satta,’ and Yadvinder Singh, known as ‘Yadda.’
Charges and Case Details
“All five are wanted in the NIA case RC-21/2023/NIA/DLI, relating to BKI’s terrorist activities aimed at disturbing India’s peace and communal harmony and spreading terror in the state of Punjab. The NIA had registered the case under sections 17, 18, 18B, 20, 38 & 39 of UA (P) Act, 1967.
Cash Rewards and Banned Organization
The federal agency has declared a cash reward of ₹10 lakh for both Rinda and Landa, and ₹5 lakh for each of Pattu, Satta, and Yadda. It’s important to note that the BKI is a banned terrorist organization.
The NIA’s announcement followed a statement by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who accused India of involvement in the June killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India, however, dismissed this claim as “absurd and motivated.”
Advisory for Indian Citizens in Canada
In a recent advisory issued on Wednesday, the external affairs ministry urged Indian citizens in Canada to be extremely cautious due to the increasing anti-India activities and hate crimes in the country.
Who is Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias ‘Landa’?
Lakhbir Singh Landa, who hails from Tarn Taran in Punjab, is believed to be currently living in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Lakhbir Singh Landa, a close associate of the Pakistan-based gangster-turned-terrorist Harvinder Singh, also known as Rinda, left for Canada in 2017. Once in Canada, he joined forces with the pro-Khalistan terrorist group BKI.
Lakhbir Singh Landa’s legal troubles began with his first case, which involved attempted murder and violation of the Arms Act in Harike Pattan in July 2011.
Accusations and Criminal Activities
Additionally, Lakhbir Singh Landa played a pivotal role as a key conspirator in the Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) attack on the Punjab Police intelligence headquarters in Mohali. He was also involved in planting an improvised explosive device (IED) beneath a sub-inspector’s car in Amritsar.
NIA’s 2022 Initiative
The NIA initiated this case in 2022 when it came to light that terrorist organizations and individuals involved in terrorism from abroad were collaborating with leaders and members of organized criminal groups in the northern regions of India.
According to the NIA, Lakhbir Singh Landa and four others are wanted in a case registered earlier this year. This case is connected to the terrorist activities of the BKI, with the intention of disrupting peace and communal harmony in India and spreading terror in the state of Punjab.
These individuals are accused of carrying out acts of terrorism and engaging in related activities. They are also alleged to have raised funds for the BKI through illicit means, which includes smuggling terrorist equipment and narcotics into Punjab. Additionally, they are believed to have carried out extensive extortion from businesspeople and other prominent individuals as a means of financing their activities.
| Also Read: |
|---|
| From October 1: Birth certificate to be the single document for Aadhaar, admission, etc |
| ₹25 Crore: Kerala Onam Lottery Jackpot – Ticket Number TE230662 Wins First Prize |
What is the Full Form of BKI?
The full form of BKI is “Babbar Khalsa International.”
What are the Cash Prize rewards offered by the National Investigation Agency?
The cash prize offered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for giving information about Five Accused persons are as follows:
- ₹10 lakh for both Lakhbir Singh Sandhu, also known as ‘Landa,’ and Harwinder Singh Sandhu, known as ‘Rinda.’
- ₹5 lakh for each of the following individuals: Parminder Singh Kaira, known as ‘Pattu,’ Satnam Singh, also recognized as ‘Satbir Singh’ or ‘Satta,’ and Yadvinder Singh, known as ‘Yadda.’
These rewards are being offered in connection with the NIA case RC-21/2023/NIA/DLI, which relates to the activities of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and its operatives.