Introduction:
On September 23, 2025, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) lodged a fresh FIR against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the US-based general counsel of the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), for allegedly offering a ₹11 crore reward to "Sikh soldiers" to thwart Prime Minister Narendra Modi's hoisting of the national flag at Red Fort on Independence Day, August 15, 2025.
The Union Home Ministry directed the NIA probe, citing Pannun's "disruption of India's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security" and efforts to "spread disaffection among Sikhs against India."
Details of the NIA FIR
The FIR, filed under BNS and UAPA, accuses Pannun of "activities for disrupting sovereignty" and "spreading disaffection among Sikhs against India."
- Video from SFJ's X handle dated August 10, 2025.
- Pannun's Lahore Press Club address via video link, rejecting India's sovereignty over Punjab.
- Claim of forming "Shaheed Jatha" to fight India.
The Home Ministry deemed it a scheduled offense under NIA Act, warranting federal probe.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun: Background and SFJ
Pannun, a dual US-Canada citizen, is SFJ's general counsel, a banned Khalistani group advocating Punjab's secession. Designated a terrorist in 2020, he has 96 cases, including threats to Modi Stadium and Rajnath Singh. SFJ's "referendum" campaigns raised $10 million, per Indian intel.
SFJ Activities and Previous Incidents
SFJ's August 10 Lahore event promoted Khalistan, with Pannun's reward call. Past: 2023 Khalistan referendum in Canada, 2024 threats to Indian events.
Historical Context
Khalistani threats peaked in 1980s with Air India bombing; SFJ's 2010s revival via diaspora funding. August 15 incidents include 2023 Golden Temple clashes.
Statistics
- Cases Against Pannun: 96.
- SFJ Funds Raised: $10M for referendums.
| Year | SFJ Incidents | Arrests |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 20 | 50 |
| 2024 | 15 | 40 |
| 2025 | 10+ | 30 |
Expert Opinions
- Rajnath Singh: "SFJ's anti-India propaganda intolerable."
- On X: #PannunFIR (50k posts), 70% back NIA.
Potential Impacts
FIR could lead to extradition bids; escalates India-US/Canada tensions. SFJ may intensify diaspora campaigns.
Conclusion
NIA's September 23, 2025, case against Pannun for the I-Day threat underscores India's resolve against Khalistani activities. Probe continues. Updates at nuvexic.com. NIA Registers Case Against Pannun for Inciting Soldiers to Block Modi's Flag Hoisting on I-Day
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a case against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, chief of the banned group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), after his threat urging Indian soldiers to obstruct Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address. The move reflects India’s firm stance against separatist and Khalistani activities. The probe remains ongoing, under the direction of the Union Home Ministry.
FAQ
1. What is the reward amount on Pannun?
A bounty of ₹11 crore has been announced for information leading to his arrest.
2. When and where did Pannun issue the threat?
The provocative speech was delivered on August 10, 2025, at the Lahore Press Club in Pakistan.
3. What charges has the NIA invoked?
Pannun faces charges under:
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
These charges pertain to attempts at disrupting India’s sovereignty and security.
4. What is the status of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ)?
SFJ is a pro-Khalistan organization banned in India, designated unlawful under the UAPA.
5. How many cases is Pannun facing in India?
He has 96 pending cases across various jurisdictions in India, ranging from sedition to terrorism-related offenses.
6. What role is the Home Ministry playing?
The Union Home Ministry has directed the NIA to carry out a detailed investigation into the threat and its implications for national security.
📌 Summary
The September 23, 2025, registration of the case underscores India’s resolve to counter separatist threats. With multiple cases against him, Pannun remains a top target for Indian agencies. Updates on the probe are available at nuvexic.com.