Stories
India Secures Deportation of Harwinder Kumar from UAE in VHP Leader Killing Case
- •India successfully secured the deportation of wanted accused Harwinder Kumar from the UAE in connection with the 2024 killing of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Prabhakar in Punjab's Nangal.
- •The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Harwinder, also known as Sonu Barnala, at Indira Gandhi International Airport immediately after his deportation.
- •Harwinder is accused of providing logistical support and financing to the perpetrators of Prabhakar's killing, which was allegedly orchestrated by the terror organization Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) to incite communal unrest.
- •A Red Corner Notice was issued against Harwinder, who was based in the UAE, and he was handed over to Indian authorities following a request from Indian agencies.
- •The MHA's PRAHAAR initiative has expedited the deportation of terrorists to India, and this arrest follows the earlier apprehension of another UAE-based accused, Manveer Ram, involved in supplying weapons for the crime.
Key Questions Answered
Harwinder Kumar allegedly provided logistical support, financing, and weapons delivery as a recruiter and handler for the terrorist organisation Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). Operating from the UAE, he received and transferred terror funds on the directions of Germany-based BKI operatives to facilitate the targeted killing.
Harwinder Kumar was deported from the United Arab Emirates and arrested by the National Investigation Agency upon his arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Thursday. Indian agencies had requested his handover on June 19, 2026, following a Red Corner Notice issued on April 17, 2026.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has launched the PRAHAAR initiative, which has been utilized to expedite the deportation of wanted terrorists back to India.
