In a decisive move ahead of Republic Day celebrations, Delhi Police on Friday registered an FIR against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the notorious leader of the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) outfit. The action targets his alleged threats to incite unrest in the national capital on January 26.
The Special Cell of Delhi Police invoked stringent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 196, 197, 152, and 61. These provisions address criminal conspiracy, acts endangering India’s sovereignty and unity, and threats to national security.
The trigger was a widely circulated social media video where Pannun purportedly warned of targeting Delhi around Republic Day. He claimed ‘sleeper cells’ had plastered Khalistani posters in areas like Rohini and Dabri, aiming to stir chaos.
However, intensive verification and searches in the mentioned locations by the Special Cell yielded no such posters. Investigations continue to trace the video’s source and uncover the motives behind Pannun’s provocative claims.
This development coincides with heightened security measures across Delhi for the Republic Day parade. Authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a peaceful celebration, amid ongoing vigilance against separatist elements.
Meanwhile, in a related international incident, India strongly condemned the desecration of its national flag at the embassy in Croatia. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) demanded accountability for the intruders, identified as Khalistani activists.
The Zagreb embassy attack occurred on January 22, just days before the India-EU Summit in New Delhi. A video shared by Pannun showed a Khalistani activist removing the Tricolour and hoisting the Khalistan flag within the premises.
This marks the latest in a series of assaults on Indian diplomatic missions abroad, previously concentrated in Canada, the UK, and the US. The Croatia episode underscores the expanding reach of these disruptive forces, prompting renewed diplomatic pressure.
Indian officials view these provocations as desperate attempts to gain attention. With robust intelligence and law enforcement, India remains committed to safeguarding its unity and countering terrorism in all forms.
