NIA Cracks Down On Khalistani Terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun: Properties In Amritsar And Chandigarh Seized

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday (23 September) seized the properties of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who had recently threatened Canadian Hindus to leave the country and go to India.

The NIA seized the properties of Pannun in Amritsar and Chandigarh.

The properties of Pannun, a self-styled general counsel of the banned US-based outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), were seized following the confiscation orders issued by an NIA special court in Mohali, Punjab.

Since 2019, Pannun has been under the radar of the NIA, which had registered a case alleging his significant involvement in promoting and commissioning terrorist acts and activities in India.

Pannun is accused of spreading fear and terror in Punjab and other parts of the country through threats and intimidation tactics.

The NIA court had issued non-bailable warrants for Pannun's arrest on 3 February 2021. He was declared a "Proclaimed Offender" on 29 November 2022.

According to the NIA, its investigation revealed that the SFJ was misusing the internet to radicalise vulnerable youth and incite them to engage in terrorist activities.

Pannun was the main handler and controller of the outfit, which was declared an unlawful association by the Ministry of Home Affairs on 10 July 2019.

Pannun was designated as an "individual terrorist" on 1 July 2020. He has been accused of inciting Punjab-based gangsters and youth through social media to engage in activities supporting Khalistan, thereby posing a threat to the country's sovereignty, integrity, and security.

“In recent days, Pannun has been in the news for issuing blatant threats to senior Indian diplomats and government functionaries in public forums. He had also threatened Canadian Hindus a few days, asking them to leave Canada and claiming that they had adopted a ‘jingoistic approach’ by siding with India,” said the NIA, reports The Hindu.

The NIA has confiscated several properties of Pannun in relation to the case registered on 5 April 2020.

These properties include 46 kanal agricultural land in Khankot village of Amritsar, and a 1/4th share of a house in Chandigarh.

“These properties were earlier attached following orders passed by the government in two different cases. The properties have now been confiscated on the court’s orders under Section 33(5) of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act…,” the NIA said.

Initially registered by the Sultanwind police in Amritsar (City) on 19 October 2018, the case was later taken over by the NIA. The NIA filed a chargesheet against 10 individuals, including Pannun.

After Canadian PM Justin Trudeau alleged India's involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Nijjar, Pannu had issued threats to Canadian Hindus and asked them to leave Canada, saying they are working against the interest of the North American country.

"Indo-Canadian Hindus, you have repudiated the allegiance to Canada and the Canadian constitution. Your destination is India. Leave Canada, go to India," said Pannu in a video titled, "Leave Canada, Indo-Hindus, Go India".

Pannu reportedly said that since the Trudeau government has paused trade agreement with India, Indo-Canadian Hindus have started a "jingoistic" approach.

He alleged that Canadian Hindus are working against the interest of Canada and siding with India.

Further, Pannu alleged that Canadian Hindus are not only backing India but also supporting the "suppression of speech and expression of Pro-Khalistan" voices.

"You are supporting violence by celebrating the assassination of Shaheed Nijjar,” Pannu said.

The Khalistani terrorist, who is wanted in India, also heaped praises on pro-Khalistan Sikhs of Canada saying that they have always been loyal to Canada and upheld the country’s laws and constitution.

He further announced that a ‘Kill India Referendum’ will be held in Vancouver on 29 October to decide if Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma is responsible for the "assassination" of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.