NIA files chargesheet against 9 KZF activists in drone case

Mohali, March 18

The NIA on Wednesday filed a chargesheet against nine members of Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) terrorist group for their alleged involvement in a case relating to dropping of arms and ammunition in Punjab by drones from Pakistan.

All accused, including two senior citizens, have been charged with relevant provisions of the IPC, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Arms Act and Explosives Substances Act, an NIA spokesperson said.

Akashdeep Singh (21), Balwant Singh (48), Harbhajan Singh (65), Balbir Singh (70), Maan Singh (43), Gurdev Singh (40), Shubhdeep Singh (21), Sajanpreet Singh (22) and Romandeep Singh (20) have been named in the chargesheet.

The case relates to the information that Pakistan-based chief of KZF, Ranjeet Singh in connivance with Gurmeet Singh have smuggled arms, ammunition, explosives and fake Indian currency notes into India via drones from Pakistan, the investigation agency said.

These consignments were received by their associates Akashdeep, Balwant, Harbhajan, Balbir and Shubhdeep in India in order to revive terrorism in Punjab and carry out a terror attack in the country, the spokesperson said.

Subsequently, Akashdeep, Balwant, Balbir and Harbhajan were arrested from Tarn Taran on September 22 last year along with a huge cache of arms, ammunition, explosives and communication devices, the official said.

Akashdeep was recruited by Maan and Gurdev and the terror conspiracy was hatched in Amritsar Central Jail during 2018-19 when the three were in judicial custody in other crimes.

Further investigation revealed that the consignments were sent through a total of eight sorties of drones in August and September last year. The consignments were received by Akashdeep, Subhdeep, Sajanpreet and Romandeep. Further investigation against absconding accused Gurmeet and Ranjit and other suspects continues, the NIA added. — PTI