The Delhi Police Special Cell has registered a first information report (FIR) against Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun for allegedly attempting to incite unrest in the national capital ahead of the 77th Republic Day celebrations, officials confirmed on Friday.
The case follows a video released by Pannun on social media, in which he claimed that alleged “sleeper cells” had pasted pro-Khalistan posters in Rohini and Dabri areas of Delhi. However, police teams that conducted verification drives said no such posters were found at the locations mentioned.
Charges Under Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita
The FIR has been registered under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), including:
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Section 196 (promoting enmity),
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Section 197 (imputations prejudicial to national integration),
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Section 152 (acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India), and
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Section 61 (criminal conspiracy).
According to officials familiar with the investigation, Pannun—who is a US-based individual—also allegedly used abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the video. Authorities said the content is being examined, though it could not be independently verified.
Alleged Threats and Reward Claim
Police officials further stated that Pannun had previously announced a reward of USD 111,000 for disrupting the Prime Minister’s Republic Day flag-hoisting ceremony on January 26. He had also allegedly called for placing Khalistan flags on railway tracks in Punjab and engaging in other disruptive acts.
“An FIR has been registered and the matter is under investigation. All claims made in the video are being verified, and online platforms are being monitored closely,” a senior police officer said.
Heightened Security Ahead of Republic Day
The development comes amid enhanced security measures across Delhi, particularly in Kartavya Path and the New Delhi district, following multiple threat inputs from intelligence agencies. A multi-layered security deployment, involving Delhi Police and paramilitary forces, has been put in place to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of Republic Day celebrations.
Officials said surveillance has been intensified, and rapid-response teams are on standby as a precautionary measure.
