In a massive development, a Khalistani terrorist who was on most-wanted list in India, Lakhbir Singh Rode died at the age of 72. As per reports, Lakhbir Singh Rode was cremated in Pakistan on Monday. Lakhbir Singh Rode's death confirmation was given by his brother and former Akal Takht Jathedar Jasbir Singh Rode. Rode was listed as an 'individual terrorist' under the UA(P)A and had fled to Pakistan. He was one of the accused in the 1985 bombing of the Air India jet Kanishka. Notably, Rode was the nephew of slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale. Now, the question arises what happened to Lakhbir Singh Rode and who was he? Below is everything you need to know about Lakhbir Singh Rode's death reason and Bhindrawale's Nephew-
What happened to Lakhbir Singh Rode?
As per reports, Lakhbir Singh Rode died at 72 due to a heart attack. However, Indian Agencies are yet to confirm Lakhbir Singh Rode's cause of death.
Talking about who was Lakhbir Singh Rode, below is what we know -
Lakhbir Singh Rode was a self-styled head of the banned outfit International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) and nephew of slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. Apart from ISYF, Rode was reportedly also heading KLF (Khalistan Liberation Force), a banned outfit in India. Furthermore, Rode was also the primary organiser of Khalistan Zindabad Force cell near the India-Nepal border.
Reports suggest that India's most wanted Rode had confessed several times that he had been working closely with the Pakistani government to launch attacks against India. Notably, Rode was arrested with 20 kg of RDX and said that it was given to him by a Councillor in the Pakistani Embassy in Kathmandu.
Not only this, Rode was named as the mastermind of the Air India 182 bombing on 23 June 1985 during a confession by militant Talwinder Singh Parmar to the Punjab police. Rode was also linked to smuggling and supplying arms and explosives to Punjab across the border to target VVIPs across India. A report suggests that Rode had tried to assassinate Captain Amarinder Singh, former Punjab CM, and Prakash Singh Badal, former Chief Minister of Punjab.
Notably, Rode's son is also linked to terrorist activities. Lakhbir Singh Rode's son Bhaggu Brar is reportedly living in Canada and has been accused of carrying out terrorist activities in Punjab. He used to regularly travel to Pakistan to provide arms and funds to his father. He has also been accused of promoting anti-India activities in Canada.