Accused in Punjab VHP leader's murder case, Sonu Barnala deported to India, arrested by NIA

VHP leader Vikas Prabhakar was shot dead in April 2024 in Rupnagar district of Punjab. Accused in Punjab Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Prabhakar's murder, NIA on Thursday arrested Harwinder Kumar, alias Sonu Barnala, after he was deported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE authorities handed over Sonu Barnala to Indian agencies on June 19, 2026. (Photo for representation) (Pexels)Announcing the major breakthrough, the ministry of home affairs on Thursday said that Prabhakar was shot dead by Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) in a bid to create a communal unrest ‘at the behest of its Pakistan-based chief, Wadhawa Singh, alias Babbar.’Barnala was involved in providing logistical support and financing to the perpetrators and had been wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the government said in a statement.A Red Corner Notice was issued against UAE-based Barnala on April 17, 2026, the ministry said, adding that Barnala was handed over to the Indian authorities by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on June 19, 2026 following a request from India. “Under Prime Minister Modi Ji's vision of zero tolerance against terror, the Ministry of Home Affairs has launched the PRAHAAR initiative, under which the deportation of terrorists to India has been expedited,” the statement added.Barnala was deported from the UAE to India on October 1, 2026 after ‘vigorous diplomatic efforts’. The NIA arrested him at the Indira Gandhi International Airport upon his arrival from the UAE on Thursday. He will be produced before the Special NIA Court for further legal proceedings.Prabhakar, VJP's Nangal district president, was shot dead in April 2024 in Rupnagar district at his confectionary shop reportedly by two unidentified assailants.Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read MoreVhpPunjabTerrorismGet the latest India News, breaking headlines, and real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, weather, and major national developments.