New Delhi, Jan 23: The Delhi Police Special Cell has registered an FIR against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated terrorist and chief of the banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), for allegedly threatening to create unrest in the national capital ahead of Republic Day celebrations, officials said on Friday.
The case has been filed under Sections 196, 197, 152 and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which relate to promoting enmity between groups, making assertions prejudicial to national integration, acts endangering the sovereignty and unity of India, and criminal conspiracy.
According to police officials, the action was taken 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 January 26. In the video, he claimed that his so-called “sleeper cells” had pasted pro-Khalistan posters in various parts of the city as part of a broader conspiracy to incite unrest.
Pannun specifically mentioned areas such as Rohini in northwest Delhi and Dabri in southwest Delhi, alleging that posters had been put up there to spread fear and provoke communal disharmony.
Senior police officers said the video was widely circulated on social media platforms and was aimed at creating panic among the public, especially at a time when security arrangements in the capital have been tightened due to Republic Day preparations.
Following the claims made in the video, multiple teams of the Special Cell, along with local police units, conducted verification drives and searches in the areas mentioned by Pannun. However, officials said no pro-Khalistan posters or related material were found during the checks.
“The claims made in the video regarding posters in Rohini and Dabri have not been substantiated so far. Despite extensive searches and coordination with local police stations, no such material has been recovered,” a senior officer said.
The Special Cell stated that further investigation is underway to assess the intent, reach and possible impact of the video. Officials added that additional legal action may be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
Meanwhile, security agencies have further intensified surveillance and security measures across the national capital in view of Republic Day celebrations, warning that any attempt to disrupt peace and public order will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
