UK Takes Strong Action Against Khalistani Terror Funding, Targets Babbar Khalsa

London: The UK government has taken a decisive step against Khalistani terrorist activities, imposing sanctions on a British Sikh businessman accused of funding the extremist group Babbar Khalsa. The move marks the first use of the country’s domestic counter-terrorism powers to disrupt the financing of Khalistani terrorism.

The British Treasury announced on Thursday that Gurpreet Singh Rehal, associated with the Punjab Warriors sports investment firm, could have his assets frozen and be disqualified from serving as a director due to suspected links with organizations involved in promoting terrorism in India. The measures also target support for the extremist group Babbar Akali Lehar.

Government Response
UK Finance Minister Lucy Rigby stated, “We will not tolerate the misuse of the UK financial system by terrorists. This historic action demonstrates our commitment to using every available tool to prevent the financing of terrorism, wherever it occurs and whoever is responsible.”

Support to India’s Anti-Terror Efforts
Intelligence sources indicate that the UK’s action will significantly aid India’s ongoing efforts to curb terrorist funding on British soil. The move is expected to disrupt financing channels for anti-India activities. Following the announcement, the Punjab Warriors firm and Morecambe FC publicly declared that they had severed all ties with Rehal. Rigby emphasized, “The UK will not stand with terrorists who exploit our financial system.”

Wider Enforcement in the UK
As part of a broad enforcement operation, UK authorities detained 171 individuals working illegally, including Indian nationals, who are now being processed for deportation. The Home Office reported that Operation Equalize, conducted over seven days last month, involved checking the documents of workers delivering goods in towns, villages, and cities across England. Individuals found working illegally—including Bangladeshi, Chinese, and Indian citizens—were arrested on the spot and placed in custody pending deportation.

Arrests of Indian Citizens
The Home Office stated, “On 17 November, officials in Newham (East London) arrested four individuals of Bangladeshi and Indian nationality for illegal employment. All four were taken into custody for deportation.” Additionally, on 25 November in Norwich City Centre, authorities arrested three Indian nationals for illegal work, with two taken into custody for deportation and the third released under strict immigration bail.

This decisive action by the UK government sends a strong message that terrorist financing will not be tolerated and reinforces international collaboration in combating extremist networks.