The United Kingdom has taken a major step by placing sanctions on a British national, Gurpreet Singh Rehal, and an organisation named Babbar Akali Lehar. The announcement was made on December 4, and it focuses on stopping activities linked to terrorism in India. This is the first time the UK has used its own domestic counter-terrorism financial rules to target groups connected to the pro-Khalistan outfit Babbar Khalsa.
According to the UK Treasury, Rehal, a 34-year-old resident of Leeds, was assessed as being involved in several activities that supported Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar. Officials said he allegedly promoted or encouraged the groups, took part in recruitment, provided financial services, and purchased weapons and military material. Along with sanctioning him, the UK also sanctioned Babbar Akali Lehar for allegedly promoting or encouraging the extremist group and carrying out recruitment linked to it.
Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby said the UK “will not stand by while terrorists exploit Britain’s financial system.” She stated that the government is committed to choking off funding for terrorism, no matter where it happens, and will stand with peaceful communities against violence and hatred.
Strict Ban on Financial Dealings and Company Involvement
Under the new sanctions, UK citizens and businesses are now completely banned from dealing with funds or economic resources owned or controlled by Rehal or Babbar Akali Lehar. The ban applies to all individuals, companies, and financial bodies across the country. It also prevents Rehal from acting as a director or taking part in the management of any company in the UK.
The UK Treasury made it clear that breaking these rules can lead to severe punishment. Anyone who violates the sanctions may face up to seven years in prison or heavy civil monetary penalties. These strict measures are meant to block any route through which extremist groups can receive support, directly or indirectly.
Officials explained that these actions are part of the effort to keep the UK’s financial system safe from being used for harmful activities. The government has repeated that while peaceful communities and expressions are welcome, any support that encourages violence, hatred, or extremist activity will not be tolerated.
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Background on Babbar Khalsa and India–UK Concerns
Babbar Khalsa, also known as Babbar Khalsa International, is a pro-Khalistan extremist group with a long history of violent acts. It is most known for the bombing of Air India Flight 182 in 1985. The aircraft exploded mid-air, killing all 329 people on board, many of whom were Canadian citizens. On the same day, another bomb linked to the group exploded at Tokyo’s Narita Airport, killing two baggage handlers. These events made Babbar Khalsa one of the most infamous groups connected to the Khalistan movement.
India has repeatedly raised concerns about the presence and activities of Khalistani extremist elements in the UK. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the issue with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, both at Chequers in July and later in Mumbai in October. India has been urging the UK to take action against individuals and organisations that support extremist causes from British soil.
Concerns grew further after the Indian High Commission in London was targeted by Khalistani protesters in March 2023. The incident caused alarm in New Delhi, and India sought stronger cooperation from the UK to handle such activities.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that both Modi and Starmer agreed in October on the need to act against extremist elements within their legal systems. This understanding set the stage for the sanctions announced on December 4.
