Who is Gurpreet Singh Rehal, British Sikh businessman sanctioned by UK for supporting Khalistan terror group?

New Delhi: Gurpreet Singh Rehal, a British Sikh businessman, and a group named Babbar Akali Lehar have been sanctioned by the UK government over their alleged links to terrorism. Rehal has been accused of supporting and funding pro-Khalistan terrorist group Babbar Khalsa in India.

Gurpreet Singh Rehal is a British Sikh businessman who came into public focus after being associated with the UK-based sports investment group Panjab Warriors. The group was involved in the takeover of English football club Morecambe FC. Rehal came to prominence after acting as a public figure during this agreement, handling messaging, outreach and branding. His image was further cemented when he portrayed the deal as a community-driven commitment and not solely a commercial investment.

Now the UK government has imposed counter-terrorism sanctions on him. This is important, as he now becomes the first individual to be targeted under Britain’s domestic counter-terrorism sanctions regime for alleged links to Khalistan-oriented groups. The sanctions were imposed by the UK Treasury, accusing him of being involved in activities that supported and enabled terrorism connected to violent pro-Khalistan outfits operating in and against India.

As a result, Rehal’s assets in the UK will be frozen and he will now be banned from acting as a director or being involved in the management or formation of companies. As part of the charges, Rehal was reportedly found to have links to the group called Babbar Akali Lehar, often seen as an associate of banned terrorist organisation Babbar Khalsa. Rehal’s association with the group is seen as one that was active, which involved promoting the group’s agenda, raising and moving funds, helping with recruitment and facilitating access to weapons and other equipment. 

Reportedly some other business entities linked to Rehal were also sanctioned. By taking action on them, the UK administration aims to prevent further financial transfers and logistical coordination linked to militant networks. The move, most importantly, is pivotal in the context of the UK government taking action against Khalistan supporters and movements that operate in the country, of which there have been found to be a significant number.