NIA and Delhi Police Arrest Arms Supplier Dharminder Kumar in VHP Leader Vikas Bagga’s Murder Case

New Delhi [India], August 19: In a joint operation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Delhi Police arrested Dharminder Kumar, an arms supplier wanted in the murder case of Vikas Bagga, a leader of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) in Nangal, Punjab.

Details of the Arrest

Dharminder Kumar, also known as Kunal, is a resident of Ludhiana, Punjab. He procured weapons from Madhya Pradesh that were used in the assassination of Vikas Bagga, who was shot dead at his confectionery shop in Nangal on April 13, 2024. The case was initially registered at Nangal Police Station and later transferred to the NIA in May 2024 due to its severity.

Operation and Confession

Based on specific input, the Special Cell, South Western Range, tracked Dharminder in Ludhiana. A joint team of the Special Cell and NIA apprehended him from Sherpur Kalan, Ludhiana. During interrogation, Dharminder confessed to his involvement in the crime. He has a history of supplying illegal arms and had two cases under the Arms Act registered against him in Madhya Pradesh and Punjab.

Previous Arrests

Earlier in April, the Punjab Police arrested Mandeep Kumar and Surinder Kumar, who were part of a terror module backed by Pakistan-based terrorists, in connection with the murder. The police recovered two .32-bore pistols, including one used in the crime, along with 16 live cartridges and one empty cartridge. The shooters were in contact with foreign handlers via encrypted apps.

Legal Actions

Dharminder Kumar has been arrested under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Arms Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P) Act), 1967.