In a significant move that marks a turning point in the fight against extremist networks operating abroad, the United Kingdom has imposed strict sanctions on a man named Gurpreet Singh Rehal and the organisation Babbar Akali Lehar. The decision, announced on December 4, comes at a time when India has been urging its global partners to crack down on Khalistani groups that have been fueling separatist propaganda and supporting terrorism from foreign soil.
British authorities say the sanctions are directly linked to the group’s association with Babbar Khalsa International, a banned Khalistani terrorist outfit known for violent attacks and recruitment networks stretching across several countries. Officials believe this step will strike at the financial roots of those misusing the UK’s financial system to fund extremist operations.
Assets Frozen, Companies Blocked
The sanctions have been issued under the Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, making them legally binding across the United Kingdom.
Key measures include:
- Complete asset freeze on Rehal, Babbar Akali Lehar, and all associated companies.
- A ban on British citizens and institutions from dealing with their funds or economic resources unless they obtain special permission from HM Treasury.
- Restrictions on companies linked to Rehal, including Saving Punjab CIC, Whitehawk Consultations Limited, and an unincorporated entity named Loha Designs.
- A direct ban on Gurpreet Singh Rehal from serving as a company director or taking part in the management of any firm.
Anyone violating these sanctions could face up to seven years in prison or fines reaching £1 million. British officials confirmed that this is the first time the UK’s domestic counter-terrorism sanctions regime has been used specifically against Khalistani militant financing.
Accusations: Recruitment, Funding & Support for Terror Activities
According to the UK government, Rehal has long-standing links with Khalistani extremist outfits operating in India. Officials believe he provided support services, promoted their activities, assisted in recruitment drives, and helped facilitate the purchase of weapons and other military-grade materials.
Babbar Akali Lehar is described as an associated outfit of the banned Babbar Khalsa International—an organisation notorious for bombings, armed attacks, and targeted killings during the height of the Khalistan movement in the 1980s. The UK says the sanctions specifically target networks that support such organisations from abroad.
British Officials Says ‘We Will Not Allow Terrorists to Exploit Our System‘
Lucy Rigby Casey, the UK’s Economic Secretary, welcomed the action and made the government’s position clear. She said the UK would not remain silent when terrorists attempt to misuse its financial system.
‘This historic step shows that we are prepared to use every tool available to stop the funding of terrorism wherever it comes from,” she said. “We stand with peaceful communities who reject violence and hate.’
Strengthening India-UK Counter-Terror Partnership
The move also reflects the growing cooperation between India and the UK on issues of security and counter-terrorism. Indian authorities have repeatedly urged the British government to take strict action against Khalistani networks operating from cities like London, Birmingham, and Glasgow.
Experts say the fresh sanctions will disrupt the international funding channels used by such groups and send a strong message that extremist activities and propaganda will not be tolerated on foreign soil.
What Is Babbar Khalsa?
Babbar Khalsa, which emerged during the violent phase of the Khalistan movement, has been responsible for numerous attacks, including assassinations, bombings, and arms smuggling operations. Despite being banned in India, Canada, and several European countries, its sympathisers have continued to operate from abroad, often under the guise of community organisations.
With the UK’s latest announcement, authorities believe similar actions may follow in the coming months as part of a broader strategy to choke global terror financing.
