India Secures Deportation of Wanted Accused Harwinder Kumar from UAE
NIA arrests Harwinder alias Sonu Barnala after deportation from UAE for his role in the killing of VHP leader Vikas Prabhakar in Punjab.
In a significant breakthrough for national security, the Indian government has successfully secured the deportation of Harwinder Kumar, a wanted accused, from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Harwinder, also known as Sonu Barnala, is a key figure in the investigation into the targeted killing of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Prabhakar, which occurred in Nangal, Punjab, in 2024.
Upon his arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Thursday, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) immediately took him into custody. He was subsequently presented before the Special NIA Court to begin formal legal proceedings.
The Conspiracy Behind the Nangal Killing
The investigation into the death of Vikas Prabhakar has revealed a deep-seated conspiracy aimed at inciting communal tension. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the killing was orchestrated by operatives of the proscribed terrorist organization Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). The operation was allegedly carried out under the instructions of the Pakistan-based BKI chief, Wadhawa Singh, also known as Babbar.
The NIA's probe indicates that the plot was hatched by BKI operatives residing in Germany, specifically Harjit Singh (alias Laddi) and Kulbeer Singh (alias Sidhu). Harwinder Kumar played a critical role in executing this plan from his base in the UAE.
Role of Harwinder Kumar in Terror Logistics
The NIA has identified Harwinder as a vital cog in the terrorist machinery. His alleged involvement includes:
- Logistical Support: Acting as a recruiter and handler for BKI operatives.
- Weapon Procurement: Arranging and facilitating the delivery of weapons to the shooters involved in the crime.
- Terror Financing: Receiving and transferring funds to support the conspiracy and terrorist activities.
The case, registered as RC-06/2024/NIA/DLI, has seen significant progress, with the NIA filing three chargesheets since the initial registration of the case on May 9, 2024.
The PRAHAAR Initiative and International Cooperation
The successful deportation of Harwinder follows the issuance of a Red Corner Notice (RCN) against him on April 17, 2026. Following a formal request from Indian agencies on June 19, 2026, the UAE authorities cooperated to hand him over to India.
The MHA highlighted that this achievement is part of the newly launched PRAHAAR initiative, a specialized program designed to expedite the deportation of terrorists and fugitives back to India. This development follows the arrest of another UAE-based accused, Manveer Ram, on August 13, 2026, who was allegedly involved in supplying the weapons used in the Prabhakar killing.
The NIA stated that the arrest of Harwinder Kumar underscores the agency's unwavering commitment to pursuing fugitives involved in terrorism and ensuring they face the due process of law in India.