- By Priyanka Koul
- Wed, 24 Sep 2025 10:05 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a fresh case against US-based Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun for allegedly offering a monetary reward to thwart Prime Minister Narendra Modi from hoisting the national flag on Independence Day. The case marks a serious escalation in the government's response to what it terms anti-national activities by Pannun. He is also facing charges for “spreading disaffection among Sikhs against India.”
According to the First Information Report (FIR), Pannun made this provocative announcement during a "Meet the Press" event held at the Lahore Press Club in Pakistan on August 10. Speaking via video from Washington, the general counsel of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit declared a reward of Rs 11 crore to “Sikh soldiers” who would prevent the Prime Minister from unfurling the tricolour at Delhi’s Red Fort on August 15.
The FIR, as reported by News18, goes on to say that Pannun used the event to reveal a proposed map of Khalistan that includes Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. He also claimed that SFJ had formed a “Shaheed Jatha” to “fight against India.”
Authorities have accused Pannun of engaging in activities that are aimed at disrupting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of the country. The FIR highlights that he has used various platforms to foster resentment among Sikhs against the Indian state.
Citing "credible information" and video footage retrieved from SFJ’s official channel on social media platform X, the FIR asserts that Pannun explicitly offered a reward to sabotage the Prime Minister’s Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort.
The case, which names Gurpatwant Singh Pannun along with “other unknown persons,” has been filed under Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for criminal conspiracy, and Sections 10 and 13 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), 1967.
The registration of the case followed a directive from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. In its order, the ministry noted, “Pannun, a designated terrorist and general counsel of the SFJ, hosted a 'Meet the Press' event at the Lahore Press Club on August 10, where he addressed journalists through a video link from Washington, primarily focussing on the rejection of India’s sovereignty over Punjab and the promotion of Khalistan.”
The ministry further stated, “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.”