The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday arrested the most-wanted terrorist Kulwinderjit Singh alias "Khanpuria", who had been associated with terrorist outfits like Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), from Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, said officials.






Kulwinderjit, who had been on the run since 2019, was involved in many terrorist cases and in the conspiracy to carry out targeted killings in Punjab.


The investigating agency had also declared a cash reward of Rs five lakh for information leading to his arrest.


A look-out circular and a Red Corner Notice were issued against him during the investigation of a case that was initially registered at the State Special Operation Cell police station in Amritsar on May 30, 2019, and later re-registered by the NIA on June 27, 2019, the official stated.


Earlier, four co-accused who conspired with Khanpuria had already been arrested after recovery of arms and ammunition from their possession.


"The arrested terrorist was involved and wanted in many terrorist cases, including a conspiracy to carry out targeted killings in Punjab. He was also involved in a bomb blast case in Connaught Place, New Delhi, and grenade attacks in other states in the 1990's," the official said.


According to the official from the NIA, investigations revealed that Khanpuria was the primary conspirator and mastermind behind the plan to carry out terrorist attacks in India by targeting establishments associated with the Dera Sacha Sauda as well as those associated with the Punjab police and security.


The official added that he was also targeting senior officers of the Bhakra Beas Management Board, Chandigarh with the overall goal of causing terror throughout Punjab and the nation.


"Khanpuria, along with his handlers and associates based in India and abroad in different South-East Asian countries, had planned and conspired to commit terrorist attacks in India. He later managed to flee the country," the official said.


According to the official, while he was based abroad, he first worked with KLF chief Harmeet alias "Happy PhD" and then with wanted Pakistani ISYF chief Lakhbir Singh Rode to use his India-based terrorist associates to target known individuals and establishments, the official said.


(With PTI Inputs)