Delhi Police’s Special Cell has registered a first information report against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). The case relates to alleged attempts to create unrest in the national capital ahead of Republic Day.

Officials said the action followed a video released by Pannun in which he claimed that “sleeper cells” had put up pro-Khalistan posters in the Rohini and Dabri areas of Delhi.

Serious Charges Invoked Under New Law

The police have booked Pannun under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). These include Section 196 for promoting enmity, Section 197 for making statements harmful to national integration, Section 152 for acts that threaten the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India, and Section 61 for criminal conspiracy.

An officer familiar with the investigation said Pannun is a resident of the United States and recently shared the video on social media. However, police teams did not find any posters at the locations mentioned in the video.

Alleged Abuse and Reward Announcement

In the same video, Pannun is also accused of using abusive slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. HT said it could not independently verify the video.

Officials further stated that Pannun had allegedly announced a reward of US$111,000 for stopping the Prime Minister from hoisting the national flag on January 26. He also allegedly called for placing Khalistan flags on railway tracks in Punjab and carrying out other disruptive acts.

Police Monitoring Claims and Online Platforms

Confirming the registration of the case, a senior police officer said, “An FIR has been registered and the matter is being investigated. We are verifying all claims made in the video and monitoring online platforms closely.”

Tight Security Ahead of Republic Day

This development comes at a time when Delhi Police have significantly strengthened security arrangements for the 77th Republic Day celebrations. Officials said the move follows multiple terror-related threat inputs received from intelligence agencies.

A multi-layered security setup has been put in place, involving Delhi Police and paramilitary forces. The security cover extends across Kartavya Path and the entire New Delhi district to ensure smooth and safe celebrations.