Khalistani extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has once again come under the scanner of Indian authorities after the National Investigation Agency registered a fresh case against him for openly inciting soldiers to defy the Prime Minister of India on Independence Day.
According to officials, Pannun, the US-based general counsel of the banned Sikhs For Justice outfit, announced a reward of Rs 11 crore for “Sikh soldiers” who would prevent Prime Minister Narendra Modi from unfurling the tricolour at the Red Fort on 15 August. The announcement was made during a “Meet the Press” gathering at the Lahore Press Club in Pakistan on 10 August, where he addressed journalists through a video link from Washington.
The NIA’s First Information Report states that Pannun also unveiled a map of a purported Khalistan encompassing Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. He further claimed that the SFJ had constituted a “Shaheed Jatha” to fight against India.
Citing “credible information” and video retrieved from the SFJ’s channel on X, the agency noted that Pannun’s statement was a direct call for disrupting the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of India. The FIR also accuses him of attempting to spread disaffection among Sikhs against the nation.
Also read: Pannum case: US seeks accountability from India
The Union Home Ministry, in its directive to the NIA, emphasised the seriousness of the matter. It said, “Having regard to the gravity of the offence, its national and international ramifications and the need to unearth the larger conspiracy, it is required to be investigated by the National Investigation Agency.”
The FIR has been lodged under Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (criminal conspiracy) and Sections 10 and 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. It names “Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and other unknown persons.”
Officials noted that this was not an isolated instance but part of a sustained campaign by Pannun, who has repeatedly used foreign platforms to challenge India’s sovereignty and promote the secessionist agenda of Khalistan.
The case adds to the growing dossier of charges against the designated terrorist, who has been actively lobbying abroad while attempting to incite unrest in India through provocative speeches and online campaigns.
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