Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 24: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a case against US-based Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and his outfit, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), for offering a reward of Rs 11 crore to prevent Prime Minister Narendra Modi from hoisting the national flag on Independence Day.

The case stems from a video released during a 'Meet the Press' event at the Lahore Press Club in Pakistan on August 10, where Pannun, addressing the event via video link from the US, openly challenged India’s sovereignty. He unveiled a so-called map of Khalistan, claiming it would cover Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh.

The FIR stated that Pannun “indulged in activities for disrupting sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of India and spreading disaffection among Sikhs against India.” It also noted that SFJ claimed to have formed a ‘martyr’s group’ to act against India.

Considering the gravity of the offence and its national and international ramifications, the Union Home Ministry directed the NIA to investigate. The case has been registered under criminal conspiracy provisions of the BNS Section 61(2) and relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.