Anti-Terror Agency Files Case Against Khalistani Terrorist Over Threat Against PM Modi

New Delhi:

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has initiated a fresh case against US-based Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun for offering a financial incentive to prevent Prime Minister Narendra Modi from raising the national flag during this year's Independence Day celebrations and "fostering dissent among Sikhs against India", along with additional charges.

According to the NIA's First Information Report, Pannun, who serves as the general counsel for the outlawed "Sikhs For Justice" (SFJ) organization, made this announcement during a "Meet the Press" event held at the Lahore Press Club in Pakistan on August 10.

In a video statement delivered from Washington, he proclaimed a reward of Rs 11 crore to "Sikh soldiers" who would impede PM Modi from unfurling the tricolour at Delhi's Red Fort.

The FIR further notes that during the event, Pannun revealed a map for a proposed Khalistan, which he indicated would encompass Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, and asserted that the SFJ had established a "Shaheed Jatha" to combat India.

"By engaging in these activities, he has participated in actions aimed at disrupting India's sovereignty, territorial integrity and security, while spreading discontent among Sikhs against India," states the FIR.

Citing "reliable information" and video obtained from the SFJ's channel on X, it indicates that Pannun announced a reward to hinder PM Modi from hoisting the tricolour at the Red Fort on August 15.

The FIR, recently filed under the applicable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), names "Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and other unknown individuals".

The case was registered following instructions from the Union Home Ministry.

In its directive instructing the NIA to investigate the matter, the ministry stated that "Pannun, a designated terrorist and general counsel" of the SFJ, organized a "Meet the Press" event at the Lahore Press Club on August 10, where he engaged with journalists via video link from Washington, "primarily emphasizing the rejection of India's sovereignty over Punjab and the promotion of Khalistan".

During his address, Pannun offered Rs 11 crore to the "Sikh soldiers" who would prevent PM Modi from hoisting the tricolour at the Red Fort on August 15, according to the order included in the agency's FIR.

During the press conference, Pannun also unveiled the SFJ's new "Delhi Banayga Khalistan" referendum map, incorporating Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi into the "envisioned Khalistan", the FIR indicates.

The home ministry emphasized that "considering the gravity of the offense, its national and international implications, and the necessity to uncover the broader conspiracy, it requires investigation by the National Investigation Agency".