The Delhi High Court declines the bail appeal of Lakhveer Singh, an accused in a terror conspiracy case filed by the National Investigation Agency.
The bench, comprising Justices Subramonium Prasad and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, upheld a trial court’s earlier decision denying bail.
Allegations Against Lakhveer Singh
According to the NIA, Lakhveer Singh played a key role in providing logistical support to the Bambiha gang, a notorious criminal network. He is accused of procuring and supplying illegal arms, ammunition, and vehicles for executing terror-related activities. The agency claims Singh harboured gang members and acted as a major supplier of weapons.
Investigators allege Singh is a close associate of gang member Chhotu Ram alias Bhat, who is linked to Canada-based terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill, alias Arsh Dalla. Dalla, a designated individual terrorist, had ties to Harshdeep Singh Nijjar, the slain chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force.
Arms Cache & Gang Nexus
During a raid on February 22, 2023, the NIA recovered a large cache of prohibited bore firearms and ammunition of foreign origin from Singh’s residence. Special Public Prosecutor Rahul Tyagi argued that this seizure, coupled with evidence in the charge sheet, demonstrates Singh’s active involvement in the terror syndicate.
The court noted that the charge sheet points to a cross-border arms supply network operated under Dalla’s directions. Lakhveer Singh allegedly acted as a ground-level facilitator within this network, ensuring the movement and availability of weapons in India.
Court’s Observations
In its order dated August 25, the bench stated, “Upon a perusal of the Charge sheet, this Court is of the opinion that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the accusations against the Appellant are prima facie true.”
The court emphasized that if Singh were released on bail, there was a strong possibility of him re-engaging in similar activities. It also flagged the risk of him absconding.
The order further noted, “The instance of recovery of large arms and ammunition from the house of Lakhveer Singh, the corroboration thereof by the prosecution witnesses and the failure of the Appellant to accord any valid explanation for their presence gives this Court sufficient reasons to believe that a prima facie case is made out against the Appellant.”
The High Court highlighted that Singh’s alleged role connects him to a wider terror and extortion syndicate. According to the NIA, Arsh Dalla and his associates extorted money from businessmen, singers, and sportspersons in India by issuing threats.
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