NIA files chargesheet against Pak-based BKI chief Wadhawa Singh in VHP leader's killing

NEW DELHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against Wadhawa Singh, the Pakistan-based chief of the banned Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), and five other terrorists for their involvement in the murder of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Prabhakar, also known as Vikas Bagga.
The incident took place on April 13, 2024, when Prabhakar was shot dead by members of a BKI module at his confectionary shop in Nangal, Roopnagar district, Punjab.
According to the NIA's statement, Wadhawa Singh, along with two other absconding accused and three arrested individuals, have been identified as the masterminds behind the targeted killing. The charges were filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P)A), the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and the Arms Act.
Two of the arrested shooters have been named as Mandeep Kumar alias Mangli and Surinder Kumar alias Rika, both from Nawanshahr, Punjab. The third arrested accused, Gurpreet Ram alias Gora, also from Nawanshahr, faces charges under the Arms Act.
The absconding accused include Wadhawa Singh and his associates, Harjit Singh alias Laddi from Nawanshahr and Kulbeer Singh alias Sidhu from Yamunanagar, Haryana. The NIA revealed that these individuals supplied the arms, ammunition, and financial support used in the murder. While Wadhawa Singh is based in Pakistan, Harjit Singh and Kulbeer Singh are currently located in Germany.
The NIA, which took over the case from Punjab Police on May 9, 2024, uncovered a transnational conspiracy behind the attack, with BKI operatives from various countries working together to execute the killing. Investigations have also revealed that Wadhawa Singh directed the operation from Pakistan, while Harjit and Kulbeer coordinated from Germany.
Further investigation into the role of a Dubai-based logistics provider and India-based weapons suppliers is ongoing, as the NIA continues to probe the global network involved in the attack.