NIA books Khalistani terrorist over reward to stop PM Modi from hoisting tricolour on I-Day
New Delhi, Sep 23 (PTI): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a new case against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US-based Khalistani terrorist, for offering a reward to prevent Prime Minister Narendra Modi from hoisting the national flag on this year's Independence Day and "spreading disaffection among Sikhs against India", besides other charges.
According to the NIA's FIR, Pannun, who is the general counsel for the banned "Sikhs For Justice" (SFJ) outfit, made the announcement during a "Meet the Press" event at the Lahore Press Club in Pakistan on August 10.
In a video address from Washington, he declared a reward of Rs 11 crore to "Sikh soldiers" who would stop Modi from unfurling the tricolour at the Red Fort in Delhi.
The FIR also notes that at the event, Pannun unveiled a map for a new Khalistan, which he said would include Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, and claimed that the SFJ had formed a "Shaheed Jatha" to fight against India.
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"By doing so, he has indulged in activities for disrupting sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of India and spreading disaffection among Sikhs against India," the FIR says.
Citing "credible information" and video retrieved from the SFJ's channel on X, it says Pannun announced a reward to prevent Modi from hoisting the tricolour at the Red Fort on August 15.
The FIR, filed recently under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), has named "Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and other unknown persons".
The case was registered following a directive from the Union home ministry.
In its order directing the NIA to probe the issue, the ministry said "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".
In his address, Pannun offered Rs 11 crore to the "Sikh soldiers" who will stop Modi from hoisting the tricolour at the Red Fort on August 15, reads the order part of the agency's FIR.
During the press meet, Pannun also unveiled the SFJ's new "Delhi Banayga Khalistan" referendum map, which incorporates Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi into the "envisioned Khalistan", the FIR says.
The home ministry 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".
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Mamata alleges BJP disrupted her Bhabanipur rally, Suvendu claims 'she's nervous'
Kolkata (PTI): Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cut short her speech at a rally in her Bhabanipur constituency, alleging that the BJP was deliberately playing loud music from a nearby public meeting.
A peeved Banerjee said despite having the required permission of the Election Commission, her rally in Chakraberia was disrupted by the BJP, "who want to capture Bengal by intimidation and threat".
"It is not possible for me to go ahead with this meeting. If they can do such a thing in my constituency, imagine how undemocratic the BJP is. If they behave like this, I have to take legal action," she said.
"This is an insult, humiliation. BJP is stepping on our toes to instigate trouble. Not possible to address the gathering in this situation. I am leaving the stage. Please vote for me in your protest," she added.
Banerjee was then seen calling someone over and venting her grievances.
Before leaving the stage, she said, "I will hold a rally tomorrow at the same spot."
TMC supporters then rushed towards the BJP rally, which was later addressed by Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, but security personnel intervened and prevented the situation from escalating.
TMC workers later staged a demonstration outside the local police station and filed a complaint, alleging that the BJP violated the model code of conduct.
A senior TMC leader said another complaint will also be lodged with the Election Commission.
Asked about Banerjee's allegations, Adhikari told reporters after the rally he held nearby, "Her reaction shows she is nervous about the imminent loss."
"There was no violence, no obstruction in her meeting and her behaviour shows her nervousness. On May 4, people of Bhabanipur will celebrate the victory of the BJP," he claimed, alleging that the TMC also tried to disrupt his meeting by playing loud music.
South Kolkata's Bhabanipur, one of the battleground seats in the West Bengal elections, will vote in the second phase on April 29.
