'Babbar Khalsa' member held from airport; arms, ammo recovered

The Delhi Police recently arrested a suspected member of the banned Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) from the Delhi airport while he was on way to Germany to meet a top operative of the group.

The Delhi Police recently arrested a suspected member of the banned Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) from the Delhi airport while he was on way to Germany to meet a top operative of the group.

At his instance, the police recovered a consignment of two pistols, four magazines and 50 rounds from Jallandhar in Punjab. Police claimed the arms was meant for use against a religious leader in Punjab.

"The arrested man -- Narender Singh -- had come to India from Germany in the first week of February. He received the consignment in the second week of March and his job was to ensure that it was kept safely for future use," a police officer said.

HT Image

Singh, 43, was apprehended on Monday. The police recovered a CD and six calendars with the photograph of slain terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his articles.

"We had information that Singh was leaving India for Germany from Delhi airport by Qatar Airlines. A search of his belongings revealed two CDs containing incriminating material. The CDs contained provocative speeches," the officer added. Singh is based in Spain but often visits Germany.

In Germany, he came in contact with Hardevinder Singh, chief of BKI, who motivated him to join the organisation in 2000.

"Initially, he was tasked to go to India and contact the families of slain militants in Punjab and provided them monetary assistance. In November 2011, he and Hardevinder Singh went to Pakistan. There he underwent training in handling of arms and explosives," police added.