Canada-Based Gangster Lakhbir Singh Landa Declared Terrorist By MHA

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday declared Lakhbir Singh Landa, a Canada-based gangster and Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) leader, as an "individual terrorist" under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Landa, overseeing the trafficking of arms and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from Pakistan to India, orchestrated the rocket propelled grenade (RPG) attack on Punjab Police's intelligence headquarters in Mohali on May 9 last year. Both the Punjab Police and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have sought him in connection with this assault.

According to the MHA's notification, Landa had close ties with Canada-based pro-Khalistan elements (PKEs), including the late Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Sikhs for Justice leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, among others.

Originally from Harike in Punjab's Tarn Taran district, Landa currently resides in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

The notification detailed Landa's involvement in various criminal activities, encompassing the supply of explosives, arms, and sophisticated weaponry across borders to different modules for executing terrorist acts in Punjab. His criminal record includes terror module establishment, extortion, killings, IED placements, weapon smuggling, narcotics trade, and channeling funds for terrorist activities in Punjab and other parts of India.

Additionally, the notification stated his implication in targeted assassinations, extortions, and other anti-national endeavors throughout the country.

In 2021, a lookout circular was issued against Landa, and the NIA has offered a reward for information leading to his arrest.