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.
