UK Slaps First-Ever Khalistan Sanctions On Sikh Businessman, 'Babbar Akali Lehar Group' Over Funding Terror In India

In a major move under its domestic counter-terrorism framework, the United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on British national Gurpreet Singh Rehal and the organisation Babbar Akali Lehar, citing links to the proscribed pro-Khalistan outfit Babbar Khalsa. The action marks the UK’s first use of its Domestic Counter-Terrorism Regime against entities accused of backing extremist activity connected to India.

Businessman Faces Asset Freeze, Company Ban

Rehal, reportedly associated with the London-based Panjab Warriors sports investment firm, now faces a full asset freeze and a director disqualification, effectively barring him from managing or promoting any UK-registered company. Officials said the Treasury assessed him to have “promoted, encouraged and financed” activities aligned with Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar.

According to the announcement, Rehal is suspected of supporting recruitment, helping procure military-grade equipment, and offering financial services to individuals and entities tied to the extremist group. UK authorities clarified that the freeze covers all funds owned or controlled by him or associated organisations.

Group Linked To Babbar Khalsa Also Blacklisted

In parallel, the UK sanctioned Babbar Akali Lehar, stating that the outfit was involved in recruitment drives and ideological promotion for Babbar Khalsa, the Sikh extremist group responsible for the 1985 Air India Flight 182 bombing, one of the deadliest aviation terror attacks. The new designations prohibit all British citizens, banks and entities from making funds or economic resources available to either Rehal or the organisation. Violating the sanctions can lead to penalties of up to seven years’ imprisonment or heavy civil fines.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby said the move demonstrates Britain’s commitment to “cutting off terrorism at its roots”. “We will not stand by while terrorists exploit Britain’s financial system. This action shows we are prepared to use every tool available to choke off funding for terrorism,” she said.

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Morecambe FC, Panjab Warriors Cut Ties

The announcement triggered immediate repercussions in UK football circles. Panjab Warriors, which completed the takeover of Morecambe FC, issued a joint statement with the club confirming that Rehal had held only a consultancy role and was “no longer affiliated” with either organisation. The clubs noted that “decisive action” had been taken after concerns surfaced and that governance processes were being strengthened, including more stringent due diligence checks on key personnel.

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Babbar Khalsa, also known as Babbar Khalsa International, remains banned in India, Canada, the UK and several other nations. The sanctions come months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised concerns with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over rising Khalistani activity on British soil.