NIA arrests UAE-deported financier for targeted killing of VHP leader in 2024

New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Harwinder Kumar alias Sonu in connection with the targeted killing of local Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Prabhakar. The accused, who was based in the UAE, was involved in providing logistical support and financing to the perpetrators and had been wanted by the NIA, the agency said in a statement on Thursday.

Kumar was deported from the UAE to India on October 1, 2026 after diplomatic efforts. Following his arrival, he was arrested by the NIA at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. He was produced before the Special NIA Court for further legal proceedings.

The case pertains to the targeted killing of Prabhakar by members of the proscribed terrorist organisation Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). NIA had registered the case on May 9, 2024, and has so far filed three chargesheets in the matter, NIA said.


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The present arrest follows the arrest of another UAE-based accused, Manveer Ram, on August 13, 2026. Ram, who was allegedly involved in supplying weapons used in the crime, was intercepted at Amritsar Airport and subsequently arrested by the NIA.

NIA investigation has revealed that the conspiracy to eliminate Vikas Prabhakar was allegedly hatched by Germany-based BKI operatives Harjit Singh and Kulbeer Singh. Investigation has established that Kumar, while operating from the UAE, played a crucial role as a logistics provider and financier for the BKI operatives based abroad.

He acted as a recruiter and handler, arranged weapons and facilitated their delivery to the shooters involved in Prabhakar's killing. He also received and transferred terror funds in connection with the conspiracy, acting on the directions of Harjit Singh and Kulbeer Singh. Kumar's deportation and his subsequent arrest demonstrate the NIA's resolve to pursue fugitives involved in terrorism cases and bring them back to India to face the due process of law, NIA stated.