Lakhbir Singh Rode, banned group leader in Pakistan, passes away
Lahore, November 05: Lakhbir Singh Rode, identified as the nephew of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and associated with a group linked to the Sikh movement, reportedly passed away in Pakistan on December 2, sources have confirmed. Sources mentioned that Rode's demise was due to a reported heart attack.
Following Sikh customs and traditions, Rode's final rites were reportedly conducted discreetly in Pakistan. Notably, Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a former leader associated with the Sikh movement, had familial ties to Rode. Rode's involvement in group activities against India in the Punjab region allegedly occurred under the direction of Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI, as suggested by reports from Pakistan's secret agency.
In a significant development earlier in October, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) executed raids seizing Rode's properties, particularly in Moga, Punjab. The NIA's actions were part of investigations into six cases implicating Rode for his active participation in activities spanning from 2021 to 2023.
Rode held a prominent position as the leader of the banned entity International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) and had been officially labeled a terrorist by the government.
- With inputs from agencies
