Case against Khalistani terrorist Pannun in India over I-Day threat against Modi

Gurpatwant Pannun was booked for announcing a reward of ₹11 crore for “Sikh soldiers” who would stop PM Modi from unfurling the tricolour on August 15.

Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is facing a fresh case in India, filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), over his alleged threat against Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month. The US-based Khalistani terrorist had allegedly announced a reward of ₹11 crore, calling upon "Sikh soldiers" to stop PM Modi from unfurling the tricolour on Independence Day.

In a video address from Washington, he declared a reward of ₹11 crore to those who would stop Modi from unfurling the Tricolour at the Red Fort. (File)

Pannun has been booked by the NIA for the issuing a threat and "spreading disaffection among Sikhs against India", reported news agency PTI.

Gurpatwant Pannun, general counsel for Sikhs for Justice, a Khalistani organization banned in India, had allegedly announced in a video from Washington a reward of ₹11 crore for “Sikh soldiers” who prevent PM Modi from hoisting the national flag at the Red Fort.

The NIA noted in its FIR against Pannun that the Khalistani terrorist unveiled a map for a new Khalistan during his address and vowed to include Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh in it. "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 reportedly says.

Gurpatwant Pannun made the reward announcement during a virtual address from the US at the "Meet the Press" event at the Lahore Press Club in Pakistan on August 10.

The NIA case against Pannun came following a directive from the Union Home Ministry. The FIR names Pannun and some unknown persons. 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".

The new map Pannun had unveiled was reportedly part of his "Delhi Banayga Khalistan" referendum, according to the home ministry.

(With PTI Inputs)