The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched a high-stakes investigation into US-based Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and his outlawed group, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). The probe centers on a brazen Rs 11 crore reward offered by Pannun to prevent Prime Minister Narendra Modi from hoisting the national flag during India’s Independence Day celebrations, a move deemed a direct assault on the nation’s sovereignty.
The controversy erupted following Pannun’s virtual address at the ‘Meet the Press’ event hosted at the Lahore Press Club in Pakistan on August 10, 2025. Speaking via video link from the United States, Pannun, the general counsel of SFJ, delivered a provocative speech that challenged India’s territorial integrity. He unveiled a so-called map of “Khalistan,” claiming it would encompass Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, while spewing venom against the Indian state. The address, which openly rejected India’s sovereignty over Punjab, was described by the Union Home Ministry as a deliberate attempt to incite disaffection among Sikhs and destabilize the nation.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the NIA, Pannun’s actions are part of a broader conspiracy to undermine India’s security and unity. The SFJ leader also claimed to have formed a “martyr’s group” aimed at waging a campaign against India, further intensifying concerns about the group’s extremist agenda. The FIR highlights Pannun’s history of engaging in activities designed to disrupt India’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security, accusing him of spreading divisive propaganda targeting the Sikh community.
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The Union Home Ministry, recognizing the gravity of the offense and its potential national and international ramifications, directed the NIA to take charge of the investigation. The case has been registered under Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for criminal conspiracy, along with relevant provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The ministry’s order emphasized the need to uncover the larger conspiracy behind Pannun’s actions, citing the serious threat posed by his anti-India rhetoric and the SFJ’s ongoing efforts to promote the separatist Khalistan movement.
Pannun, a known figure in the Khalistani diaspora, has repeatedly courted controversy with his inflammatory statements and actions. His organization, Sikhs For Justice, has been banned in India under the UAPA for its role in promoting secessionist activities. The group’s latest stunt, offering a staggering Rs 11 crore to disrupt a symbolic act of national pride, has drawn sharp condemnation from Indian authorities. The NIA’s involvement signals a robust response to counter the growing influence of such extremist elements operating both within and outside India’s borders.
As the investigation unfolds, the NIA is expected to delve into the international networks supporting Pannun and SFJ, including their connections in Pakistan and other countries. The agency will also examine the financial trails linked to the Rs 11 crore reward and the broader funding mechanisms sustaining the group’s operations. With India’s security apparatus on high alert, this case underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding national unity against external and internal threats.
The development has sparked widespread outrage across India, with political leaders and citizens alike condemning Pannun’s audacious challenge to the nation’s sovereignty. As the NIA intensifies its efforts to dismantle the Khalistani terror network, the case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges posed by separatist movements and the importance of a united front to protect India’s integrity.
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