New Delhi, 01 October (H.S.): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Harvinder Kumar alias Sonu in connection with the targeted killing of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Prabhakar. The accused, who was based in the UAE, allegedly provided resources and financial assistance to operatives involved in the crime and had been wanted by the NIA.

According to information provided by the NIA, “Harvinder Kumar was brought to India from the UAE today (October 1) following sustained diplomatic efforts. After his arrival in India, the NIA arrested him at Indira Gandhi International Airport. He was subsequently produced before the Special NIA Court for further legal proceedings.”

The case pertains to the planned killing of Vikas Prabhakar, who was allegedly targeted by members of the banned terrorist organisation Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). The NIA registered the case on May 9, 2024, and has so far filed three chargesheets in the matter.

The arrest comes after the August 13 arrest of another accused, Manveer Ram, who was also based in the UAE and was allegedly involved in supplying weapons used in the crime. He was apprehended at Amritsar airport and subsequently arrested by the NIA.

The NIA’s investigation has revealed that the conspiracy to eliminate Vikas Prabhakar was allegedly orchestrated by BKI operatives Harjit Singh alias Laddi and Kulbir Singh alias Sidhu, who were based in Germany.

The investigation has further revealed that Harvinder Kumar alias Sonu, operating from the UAE, allegedly played a key role in providing resources and finances to BKI operatives based abroad.

According to the agency, he was involved in recruitment and providing directions, arranging weapons and facilitating their delivery to the shooters allegedly involved in Vikas Prabhakar’s killing. He also allegedly received and provided terrorist financing in connection with the conspiracy at the direction of Harjit Singh and Kulbir Singh.

The NIA said that the extradition of Harvinder Kumar alias Sonu from the UAE and his subsequent arrest demonstrate the agency’s resolve to pursue fugitives involved in terrorism-related cases and bring them back to India to face due process of law. The development is also the result of coordinated efforts by various agencies involved in bringing fugitives back to India. Further investigation in the case is underway.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar