NIA chargesheets 22nd accused Rahul Sarkar in Bishnoi-BKI terror nexus case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has chargesheeted another accused in connection with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror-gangster nexus case, taking the total number of those chargesheeted to 22.

In its fifth chargesheet filed before the NIA Special Court in Patiala House, Delhi, the agency has named Rahul Sarkar for allegedly facilitating members of the Bishnoi gang in carrying out terror-related activities in India.

The accused Sarkar was reportedly in charge of the gang’s “passport module” and played a crucial role in arranging forged travel documents for criminals linked to the Bishnoi network. He was arrested in May earlier this year.

According to the NIA, Sarkar had facilitated the escape of several high-profile gang members using counterfeit passports. Among them was Sachin Thapan, also known as Sachin Thapan Bishnoi, a prime accused in the 2022 murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala. Thapan had fled the country using documents allegedly arranged by Sarkar.

The agency said its investigation revealed that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang had joined hands with the proscribed BKI outfit to spread terror in India. “Of the 22 accused in the case so far, 18 have been arrested while four remain absconding,” a senior official said.

Originally registered by the Delhi Police Special Cell on August 4, 2022, the case was later taken over by the NIA on August 26 the same year. The agency said it continues to probe the wider terror-gangster nexus involving Bishnoi’s network and BKI operatives and centres on a broader conspiracy by criminal gangs to raise funds, recruit youth, and execute violent and criminal operations both in India and abroad.

The investigation is being conducted under Section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), along with Sections 17, 18, and 18-B of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.