Delhi Registers FIR Against Pannun Over Khalistan Threats Ahead of Republic Day

FIR Against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun Heightens Security Alert in Delhi

Delhi Police Act on Republic Day Threat Video

The Delhi Police Special Cell on January 23, 2026, registered an FIR against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun after a video circulated online claiming imminent Khalistani activity in the national capital ahead of Republic Day. The FIR against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun was lodged amid heightened security preparations for the January 26 celebrations, which are considered one of India’s most sensitive national events.

Pannun is primarily American (US citizen), with reported dual citizenship including Canada. As per Indian authorities, Pannun is a US-based leader of the banned organisation Sikhs for Justice, alleged in the video that his so-called “sleeper cells” had pasted pro-Khalistan posters in several parts of Delhi. Areas named in the video included Rohini in northwest Delhi and Dabri in the southwest. The message appeared designed to create fear, provoke communal tension and undermine public order during a period of maximum security deployment.

Search Operations Find Nothing

Following the circulation of the video, teams from the Delhi Police Special Cell and local police units carried out physical verification in the locations cited by Pannun. According to officials, no posters, banners or material linked to Khalistani propaganda were found during the searches.

Investigators have assessed the claims made in the video as unsubstantiated. However, security agencies have underlined that the absence of physical evidence does not reduce the seriousness of the threat narrative, especially given the timing close to Republic Day. Officials stated that the FIR was necessary to examine the intent, reach and psychological impact of the video on public order.

Legal Provisions Invoked Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

Serious Charges Reflect National Security Concerns

The FIR against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun invokes multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, reflecting the gravity with which authorities view the episode. Section 196 has been applied for promoting enmity between groups and acts prejudicial to communal harmony. Section 197 addresses assertions harmful to national integration, while Section 152 deals directly with actions endangering India’s sovereignty and unity.

In addition, Section 61 relating to criminal conspiracy has been invoked. Some official sources have also referred to Section 192, which concerns provocation with intent to cause a riot. Investigators are examining whether further sections may be added based on digital forensics and international coordination.

Pannun’s Track Record and SFJ’s Pro-Khalistan Agenda

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is the founder and general counsel of Sikhs for Justice, an organisation banned by India for promoting secessionist activities. He was designated a terrorist in 2020 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Since then, he has repeatedly issued threats targeting Indian institutions, political leaders and security officials.

In previous years, Pannun released similar messages ahead of Republic Day, including threats directed at the Prime Minister and senior Punjab officials. Indian intelligence agencies have consistently flagged SFJ’s attempts to radicalise overseas Sikh youth and project a false narrative of internal instability within India.

Diplomatic Fallout and Embassy Incidents Abroad

Zagreb Embassy Incident Adds to Concerns

A day before the FIR was registered, Khalistani activists allegedly breached the premises of the Indian Embassy in Zagreb, Croatia. The Indian national flag was reportedly removed and replaced with a Khalistan flag. Pannun shared the video online, using provocative language against India’s constitutional authorities and reiterating threats against Delhi on January 26.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. New Delhi formally urged Croatian authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible. The episode follows similar incidents at Indian missions in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.

International Dimension and Ongoing Investigations

The FIR against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun also revives attention on the international dimension of Khalistani activities. India has repeatedly raised concerns with partner governments about extremist groups exploiting freedoms abroad to incite violence and unrest at home.

In 2023, US authorities charged an Indian national in connection with an alleged plot targeting Pannun, briefly straining diplomatic ties. Since then, Indian agencies have intensified monitoring of SFJ communications, particularly around national events. Intelligence inputs have indicated attempts to amplify fear through online propaganda rather than direct physical action.

Security Agencies on High Alert in the Capital

With Republic Day and the India-EU Summit scheduled back-to-back, security agencies in Delhi remain on high alert. Officials have emphasised that any attempt to disrupt peace, whether physical or psychological, will invite swift legal action.

As of midday on January 23, 2026, no arrests have been reported in connection with the FIR. Authorities continue to analyse digital footprints linked to the video, while coordination with central agencies and international counterparts remains ongoing. Officials have reiterated that public safety measures are robust and that citizens should not be influenced by online intimidation campaigns.