NIA raids across Punjab in terror probe linked to Gurpatwant Singh Pannun

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday conducted raids at four locations across Punjab as part of its ongoing investigation into a terror conspiracy involving designated Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and his banned organisation, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ).

NIA teams targeted premises in Moga, two locations in Bathinda, and one in Mohali, linked to suspects involved in the case, the agency said in a statement. The raids resulted in the seizure of various incriminating materials, including digital devices, which are now under examination.

The case pertains to a larger conspiracy orchestrated by Pannun and other SFJ members to incite violence and promote terror-related activities.

The NIA had registered the case on November 17, 2023, under sections 120B, 153A, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), alongside sections 10, 13, 16, 17, 18, 18B, and 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.

“The NIA on Friday conducted searches at four locations across Punjab in a case related to the promotion of terror-related activities and violence by SFJ leader Gurupatwant Singh Pannun,” the agency said.

Pannun, who serves as the self-proclaimed general counsel of SFJ, had issued video threats on social media on November 4, 2023, warning Sikhs against flying on Air India planes from November 19 onward, claiming there would be a threat to their safety. He also threatened to disrupt Air India’s global operations.