VOIWORLD/London
In a significant escalation of its domestic counter-terrorism efforts, the United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on British national Gurpreet Singh Rehal and the organisation Babbar Akali Lehar for alleged links to the proscribed pro-Khalistan outfit Babbar Khalsa. The move marks the first time the UK has invoked its Domestic Counter-Terrorism Regime against individuals or groups accused of supporting extremist activity related to India.
Rehal, said to be associated with the London-based Panjab Warriors sports investment firm, now faces a full asset freeze and director disqualification, preventing him from managing or promoting any UK-registered company. The Treasury stated that he is believed to have “promoted, encouraged and financed” activities aligned with Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar.
Authorities suspect Rehal of assisting recruitment, facilitating procurement of military-grade equipment, and providing financial services to individuals linked to the extremist outfit. The sanctions extend to all funds owned or controlled by him or any connected entities.
Group Linked to Babbar Khalsa Also Blacklisted
Alongside Rehal, the UK also designated Babbar Akali Lehar, which officials said was involved in recruitment drives and ideological promotion for Babbar Khalsa — the Sikh extremist group responsible for the 1985 Air India Flight 182 bombing.
With the new sanctions, all British citizens, banks and organisations are barred from providing funds or economic resources to Rehal or Babbar Akali Lehar. Violations could attract civil penalties or prison terms of up to seven years.
Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby said the action underscores Britain’s determination to “cut off terrorism at its roots”. “We will not stand by while terrorists exploit Britain’s financial system… we will use every tool available to choke off funding for terrorism,” she said.
Morecambe FC, Panjab Warriors Distance Themselves
The sanctions prompted swift reactions in British football circles. Morecambe FC and the Panjab Warriors, which recently completed a takeover of the club, issued a joint statement clarifying that Rehal had served only in a consultancy role and was no longer affiliated with either organisation. Both entities said they had taken “decisive action” following the concerns and would introduce stronger governance measures, including enhanced due diligence for key personnel.
Broader Geopolitical Context
Babbar Khalsa, also known as Babbar Khalsa International, remains banned in India, the UK, Canada and several other countries.
The latest UK sanctions come months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised concerns with his British counterpart Keir Starmer about rising Khalistani extremist activity on UK soil.
https://www.voiworld.com/first-arrests-made-in-a-spate-of-attacks-targeting-indians-in-ireland/
