The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at four locations in Punjab on Friday as part of an ongoing investigation into a terror conspiracy involving designated Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and his banned group, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ).
According to a statement from the agency, NIA teams searched premises in Moga, two locations in Bathinda, and one in Mohali, linked to suspects in the case. Various incriminating materials, including digital devices, were seized and are currently being examined.
The investigation relates to a broader conspiracy led by Pannun and other SFJ members to incite violence and promote terror activities.
The NIA registered the case on November 17, 2023, under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.
In a statement, the agency confirmed, “On Friday, the NIA conducted searches at four locations in Punjab in connection with the promotion of terror-related activities and violence by SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.”
Pannun, SFJ’s self-styled general counsel, had posted video threats on social media on November 4, 2023, cautioning Sikhs against flying on Air India flights from November 19, claiming there was a security risk. He also threatened to disrupt Air India’s global operations.
In his video, Pannun warned that New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), one of the world’s busiest, would be “shut down” on November 19, 2023.
These threats led to heightened alerts and investigations across India, Canada, and other countries where Air India operates. The NIA noted that Pannun has been spreading a false narrative about Punjab, aiming to incite conflict between Sikhs and other communities in India.
His latest threat, the NIA added, continues his pattern of trying to disrupt vital transportation systems, including railways and thermal power plants across India.
