NEW DELHI — Delhi Police on Friday registered a case against Sikh for Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun over alleged threats to create unrest in the national capital ahead of Republic Day celebrations on January 26.
According to officials, the case was filed by the Special Cell of Delhi Police under Sections 196, 197, 152, and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The provisions relate to criminal conspiracy, acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India, and other offenses linked to threats to national security.
Police sources said the action followed the circulation of a video on social media in which Pannun allegedly issued threats targeting Delhi in the run-up to Republic Day. In the video, he claimed that pro-Khalistan posters had been pasted in areas such as Rohini and Dabri through what he described as sleeper cells.
However, after verification and searches at the locations mentioned, the Special Cell said no such posters have been found so far. Officials said investigations are continuing to determine the origin of the video and the intent behind the claims made by the SFJ leader.
The case comes amid heightened scrutiny of Khalistani activities following a separate incident abroad. On Thursday, India strongly condemned the trespassing at the Indian Embassy in Croatia and the vandalization of the national flag by Khalistani activists. The Ministry of External Affairs said those responsible should be identified and held accountable.
The incident in Croatia marked the latest in a series of actions by Khalistani elements targeting Indian diplomatic missions overseas. While similar cases have largely been reported in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the U.S., the episode in Croatia has raised fresh concerns. The Indian Embassy in Zagreb was targeted just days before the India–European Union Summit scheduled to be held in New Delhi on January 27.
A video shared online by Pannun showed a Khalistani activist allegedly entering the embassy premises in Zagreb, removing the Indian national flag, and replacing it with a Khalistan flag. The video suggested the incident occurred on January 22.
“We condemn the incident of trespassing and vandalism at our embassy in Zagreb, Croatia, by anti-India elements,” the external affairs ministry said in a statement, without naming Khalistani activists or Pannun.
In the video, Pannun claimed the act was carried out ahead of Republic Day and issued further provocative statements. He was seen speaking against a backdrop featuring images of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which he alleged that New Delhi would be a “target” on January 26.
India has repeatedly raised concerns with authorities in countries including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. over the activities of SFJ and Pannun, who has been designated a terrorist under Indian law. Officials have said these activities include violent protests, vandalism of Indian missions abroad, and threats and intimidation directed at Indian diplomats. (Source: IANS)
