Delhi Police Files FIR Against Khalistani Separatist Gurpatwant Pannun Over Republic Day Threat
The Delhi Police Special Cell has taken decisive legal action by registering a First Information Report (FIR) against prominent Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The case stems from serious allegations that Pannun issued threats aimed at disrupting the peace and security during the upcoming Republic Day celebrations scheduled for January 26.
Video Threat and Claims of Pro-Khalistan Posters
According to official sources, the investigation was initiated following the circulation of a purported two-minute video on various social media platforms. In this video, Pannun is allegedly seen making threatening statements about disturbing the Republic Day events in the national capital. Furthermore, he claimed that pro-Khalistan posters, strategically placed by sleeper cells, had surfaced in specific areas of Delhi, notably Rohini and Dabri.
Legal Charges Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
The Special Cell has invoked multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against Pannun, reflecting the gravity of the accusations. The FIR includes charges under:
- Section 196: Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, and doing acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony.
- Section 197: Making imputations and assertions prejudicial to national integration.
- Section 152: Acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
- Section 61: Criminal conspiracy.
An official statement confirmed that police teams conducted immediate searches in the mentioned areas of Rohini and Dabri to verify the claims about the posters. However, initial investigations have not yet uncovered any physical evidence of such slogans or posters at the locations. The agency is now focused on probing the seriousness of the threat and identifying any individuals who may have assisted Pannun or acted under his instructions within Delhi.
History of Similar Threats and Legal Actions
This incident is not an isolated one in Pannun's history of alleged subversive activities. In September 2025, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had already booked him under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). That case was related to his announcement of a reward amounting to Rs 11 crore, aimed at preventing Prime Minister Narendra Modi from unfurling the national flag during the Independence Day celebrations.
Background of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is a well-known figure in separatist circles, primarily as the founder of the banned organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). Hailing from Khankot village on the outskirts of Amritsar, he is one of three children of Mahinder Singh, a former employee of the Punjab State Agricultural Marketing Board. Pannun pursued higher education in law, graduating from Panjab University in the 1990s, and currently practices as an attorney in the United States.
The Indian government has taken firm measures against his activities. The Ministry of Home Affairs officially banned Sikhs for Justice under the UAPA on July 10, 2019. Subsequently, on July 1, 2020, Pannun was designated as an 'individual terrorist' by the authorities, underscoring the perceived threat he poses to national security.
The registration of this FIR highlights the ongoing vigilance of Indian law enforcement agencies against threats to national integrity, especially during significant national events like Republic Day. The investigation remains active as officials work to assess the credibility of the threats and ensure the safety of the celebrations.
