NEW DELHI — The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at multiple locations across Punjab on Friday, targeting premises linked to Gurupatwant Singh Pannun, a designated terrorist and leader of the banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). The raids are part of an ongoing investigation into the promotion of terror-related activities and violence orchestrated by Pannun.
The NIA teams carried out searches at four locations, including one in Moga, two in Bathinda, and one in Mohali. During these operations, various incriminating materials, including digital devices, were seized and are currently under examination12.
The case against Pannun and SFJ was registered on November 17, 2023, under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) under sections 120B, 153A & 506 of the IPC, and sections 10, 13, 16, 17, 18, 18B 8 20 of UA(P) Act, 1967.
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Pannun had previously issued video messages threatening Air India passengers, leading to heightened security measures and investigations in India, Canada, and other countries where Air India operates13.
Pannun, who has been under the NIA’s radar since 2019, was declared a “Proclaimed Offender” in November 2022. The recent raids are part of the agency’s efforts to dismantle the network of individuals involved in promoting separatist activities and violence in India13.
Further investigations are ongoing, and the NIA is expected to continue its crackdown on entities linked to Pannun and SFJ.