NIA arrests UAE-deported fugitive Harwinder Kumar in VHP leader killing case

Harwinder Kumar in NIA custody

NEW DELHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday arrested deported fugitive Harwinder Kumar @ Sonu, accused in the case related to the targeted killing of VHP leader Vikas Prabhakar in 2024, from the UAE. Soon after landing at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here, he was placed under arrest by the NIA and later produced before the Special NIA court.Harwinder, who was based in the UAE and on the NIA’s ‘wanted’ list, was allegedly involved in providing logistical support and financing to foreign-based perpetrators of the crime, affiliated with pro-Khalistan terrorist outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).Prabhakar alias Vikas Bagga was shot dead in his confectionery shop at Nangal in Punjab’s Roopnagar district on April 13, 2024. He was the Nangal president of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP).The NIA took over the case from the state police on May 9. Investigation has found that Prabhakar was killed by members of the Babbar Khalsa International, as part of conspiracy hatched by Germany-based BKI operatives Harjit Singh alias Laddi and Kulbeer Singh alias Sidhu. Three chargesheets have been filed so far in the matter.NIA on Thursday said Harwinder was deported from the UAE to India after vigorous diplomatic efforts. His arrest follows that of another UAE-based accused, Manveer Ram, on Aug 13, 2026. Manveer, allegedly involved in supplying weapons used in the crime, was intercepted at Amritsar Airport and subsequently arrested by the NIA.

NIA said Harwinder acted as both a recruiter and handler, arranged weapons and facilitated their delivery to the shooters involved in the killing Prabhakar. He also received and transferred terror funds in connection with the conspiracy, acting on the directions of Harjit Singh and Kulbeer Singh.“The deportation of Harwinder from the UAE and his subsequent arrest by the NIA demonstrate the agency’s resolve to pursue fugitives involved in terrorism cases and bring them back to India to face the due process of law,” NIA noted in its statement on Thursday.