The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification Monday that declared Canada-based Satwinder Singh, alias Goldy Brar, as an “individual terrorist” under the anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA). This designation occurred due to his alleged associations with Pakistan-based Babbar Khalsa International which is a recognized terrorist organization.

The notification stated that Brar, currently residing in Brampton, Canada, is allegedly backed by cross-border agencies in multiple killings, and the claims regarding these incidents, along with the expression of a radical ideology, were posted on different social media platforms. It further cited his involvement in threatening pro-nationalist leaders, demanding ransom, and smuggling of arms and explosives. Additionally, he has been alleged to have “conspir[ed] to disrupt the peace, communal harmony and law and order in the State of Punjab.”

Brar is the alleged mastermind behind the murder of singer Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, known by the stage name Sidhu Moosewala, who was shot and killed in broad daylight in the Mansa district of Punjab in 2022. He allegedly coordinated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to kill the singer to avenge the death of Youth Akali leader Vicky Middukhera and allegedly admitted the culpability of the act in a post on Facebook.

Subsequently, at the request of the Central Bureau of Investigation of India, Interpol issued a Red Corner Notice for Goldy Brar, citing charges of murder, attempt to murder, supply of illegal firearms and criminal conspiracy on him. As per Interpol, a Red Corner Notice is “a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action.” A special operation was also carried out by Punjab police to catch the individuals associated with Brar in September 2023.

Born in Punjab, Brar moved to Canada in 2017 on a student visa. From there, he has been conducting his alleged crimes of extortion and contract killings. In May 2023, he was featured on a “top 25 wanted list” released by Canadian police, in the fifteenth spot on the list. He has been accused of killing Youth Congress president of Faridkot Gurlal Singh Bhullar, alias Pehalwan. 

Goldy Brar has been added as a “terrorist” in the Fourth Schedule of UAPA, which provides a list of the individuals declared as terrorists by the government of India. This takes the total entries of designated terrorists to 56. The designation of terrorist, however, does not impose any particular sanctions against the person. UAPA allows the individuals to seek redress by applying for the removal of the designation under Chapter 6, Section 36, and if rejected, can seek a review within a month which will be presented in front of a review committee.