The Delhi Police Special Cell has registered an FIR against Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun for allegedly issuing threats to create unrest in the national capital ahead of Republic Day, officials said on Friday.
The case has been registered under sections 196 (promoting enmity between different groups), 197 (imputations and assertions prejudicial to national integration), 152 (acts endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India) and 61 (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
According to the police, the action was initiated after Pannun released a video message on social media in which he allegedly threatened to disturb peace and law and order in Delhi ahead of the January 26 Republic Day celebrations. In the video, Pannun claimed that his “sleeper cells” had pasted pro-Khalistan posters in various parts of the city, including Rohini in northwest Delhi and Dabri in southwest Delhi, as part of a broader conspiracy to incite unrest.
Senior police officials said the video was widely circulated on social media platforms and appeared to be aimed at spreading fear and provoking communal disharmony. “The content of the video is provocative in nature and poses a serious threat to public order, especially considering the heightened security arrangements in place ahead of Republic Day,” a senior officer said.
Following the claims made in the video, multiple teams of the Special Cell along with local police units conducted verification drives in the areas mentioned. However, no pro-Khalistan posters or related material were found during the searches.
“The claims regarding posters being put up in Rohini and Dabri have not been substantiated so far. Despite extensive checks and coordination with local police stations, no such material has been recovered,” the officer added.
The Special Cell said further investigation is underway to assess the intent, reach and potential impact of the video message. Additional legal action will be taken based on the findings of the probe.
Meanwhile, security agencies have stepped up vigilance across the national capital in view of Republic Day celebrations. Police officials reiterated that any attempt to disrupt peace and public order would be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
