Archive · 2 Oct 2026
NIA Arrests UAE-Deported Man in VHP Leader Killing Case
The National Investigation Agency arrested Harwinder Kumar after he was sent back to India from the UAE.
He is accused of helping people involved in the killing of VHP leader Vikas Prabhakar.
Prabhakar was shot dead at a grocery shop in Nangal, Punjab, in April 2024.
The NIA says Babbar Khalsa International members planned the attack.
Investigators allege the killing was intended to create tension between communities.
They say Kumar helped with money, weapons, recruitment and other support.
Kumar was taken to a special court after arriving at Delhi airport.
The NIA says it has filed three chargesheets in the case.
The NIA arrested Harwinder Kumar alias Sonu after his deportation from the UAE and arrival at Delhi airport.
Kumar is accused of providing logistical support, financing, recruitment, weapons and operational handling for the alleged perpetrators.
VHP leader Vikas Prabhakar was shot dead at a grocery shop in Nangal, Punjab, on April 13, 2024.
The NIA alleges Germany-based Babbar Khalsa International operatives planned the killing to create communal unrest.
Kumar was produced before a Special NIA Court, and the NIA says it has filed three chargesheets in the case.
- Who
- The NIA arrested Harwinder Kumar alias Sonu, who is accused in the killing of VHP leader Vikas Prabhakar; the agency links the case to Babbar Khalsa International operatives.
- What
- Kumar was arrested after deportation from the UAE for allegedly providing logistical support, financing, weapons, recruitment and handling assistance connected to Prabhakar’s killing.
- When
- Prabhakar was killed on April 13, 2024; reports say Kumar was deported and arrested on a Thursday, with one report identifying the date as October 1.
- Where
- Kumar was arrested at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi after arriving from the UAE; the killing occurred at a grocery shop in Nangal, Roopnagar district, Punjab.
- Why
- The NIA alleges the killing was part of a conspiracy intended to create communal unrest.
- Accused arrested
- Harwinder Kumar alias Sonu, identified by the NIA as accused number 7 in the chargesheet
- Victim
- Vikas Prabhakar, a Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader
- Killing date
- April 13, 2024
- Killing location
- A grocery shop in Nangal, Roopnagar district, Punjab
- Alleged organisation
- Babbar Khalsa International
- NIA case
- RC-06/2024/NIA/DLI, registered on May 9, 2024
- Court action
- Kumar was produced before the Special NIA Court
