5 min readLucknowDec 28, 2024 05:29 PM IST
First published on: Dec 28, 2024 at 05:28 PM IST
The Uttar Pradesh Police, investigating the deaths of three alleged members of the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) in a crossfire with police in Pilibhit earlier this week, have learned that the accused had come to Pilibhit under the instructions of wanted Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operative Kulbeer Singh alias Sidhu.
Yamuna Nagar native Kulbeer Singh is wanted in connection with the murder of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Prabhakar also known as Vikas Bagga which took place in Punjab’s Roopnagar district in April this year. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is investigating the case, has announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to his arrest.
On Monday morning, the Uttar Pradesh Police, in a joint operation with their Punjab counterparts, shot dead three alleged Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) operatives identified as Gurvinder Singh, 25, Virendra Singh alias Ravi, 23, and Jasan Preet Singh alias Pratap Singh, 18, all residents of Gurdaspur. They were reportedly involved in grenade attacks on a police outpost in Punjab last month. The police claimed to have seized two AK-47 assault rifles, two Glock pistols, and a significant quantity of ammunition from their possession.
The Pilibhit police said during the investigation, they discovered that Kulbeer Singh contacted a local resident, Jaspal Singh alias Sunny, 25, on December 20 via the internet and asked him to arrange accommodation for three of his close associates at a hotel.
The police suspect the call originated from England.
Kulbeer Singh reportedly established contact with Sunny during his stay in Pilibhit for around 10 months in 2021.
Acting on Kulbeer Singh’s request, Sunny arranged a stay for the three accused at a hotel, where they checked in on December 20 and left late on December 21.
“We have arrested Sunny for allegedly providing logistical support to the accused. Efforts are underway to identify others who were in contact with Kulbeer,” said Avinash Pandey, Superintendent of Police, Pilibhit.
Four local persons have been detained for questioning.
According to the police, a review of hotel records revealed that the operatives had checked in using Aadhaar cards submitted under false names – Kuldeep Singh, Heera Singh, and Manjeet Singh – citing an address in Ballia.
Investigations indicate that Kulbeer Singh had prepared the Aadhaar cards with false identities and sent them to Sunny, who submitted them at the hotel.
“Sunny is accused of transferring Aadhaar cards created with false details and providing support to Kulbeer despite knowing he is wanted by the NIA,” said the SP. He added that they would seek Sunny’s police custody remand for interrogation.
The police are now working to determine when the trio arrived in Uttar Pradesh and where they stayed after leaving the hotel on December 21, prior to being killed in an encounter early Monday morning.
During questioning, Sunny reportedly said he met the three operatives near a bus stand, after which they went to a roadside eatery for dinner before heading to the hotel. The accused also purchased some medicines from a medical store near the dhaba.
The police are investigating whether the operatives travelled to a neighbouring district or state after leaving the hotel.
The police are also working to determine the source of the arms and ammunition. “CCTV footage from the hotel shows the three operatives carrying a polythene bag when they arrived. It is possible that they hid the weapons before meeting Sunny or received them from someone the following day. The investigation is ongoing,” said a police officer.
A large-scale effort is underway to uncover the motive behind the operatives’ visit to Pilibhit and to identify whether any of their associates are still present in Uttar Pradesh. Authorities have also urged local residents to promptly report any suspicious activity in the area.
Meanwhile, a local resident, Malkeet Singh, who recently returned from England, has approached the police, alleging that he has been receiving threatening calls demanding Rs 10 lakh as extortion. He stated that the first call came in September this year before he travelled to England, with the caller identifying himself as “Sidhu”. Malkeet Singh said he received similar calls while in England and again upon his return in the third week of September. “In one of the calls, the caller threatened to have him killed upon his return to India. He suspects that the three operatives might have come to Pilibhit to execute the threat,” said a police officer.
The police are trying to connect the dots.
The SP said direction has been issued to lodge an FIR into the matter.
The Pilibhit police said during the investigation, they discovered that Kulbeer Singh contacted a local resident, Jaspal Singh alias Sunny, 25, on December 20 via the internet and asked him to arrange accommodation for three of his close associates at a hotel. (File/Representational Photo) 
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