Sources claim that the Ministry of Home Affairs Counter Terrorism and Counter Radicalization (CTCR) division turned over the investigation to the National Investigation Agency. The ministrys decision was made over a month after pro-Khalistan protestors in London pulled down the national flag at the Indian High Commission in London.After getting the orders from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MAH), the anti-terror agency registered a First Information Report (FIR) and began its probe into the case. The case to the anti-terror agency has been handed over by Delhi Police, which registered an FIR in the matter under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and is currently investigating it.The FIR reads, Whereas, the Central government has received information about the filing of a police report (FIR) dated March 23, 2023, at Special Cell police station, under IPC Sections 109, 147, 148, 149, 1208, 448, 452, 325 and Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, Section 3(1) of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984, and Section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honours Act, 1971, relating to the protest led by pro-Khalistani supporters outside High Commission of India in London.The decision for transferring the case to NIA was taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs following a meeting with UK representatives last week. The sources said, that a special team of the NIA, including a deputy Inspector General rank officer may visit London to investigate the case very soon. It is also anticipated that the move came after the preliminary investigations had found links to Pakistans agency ISI.What was the incident all aboutOn March 19, a group of protestors carrying separatist Khalistani flags and yelling pro-Khalistani chants grabbed a tricolour atop the Indian High Commission in London. Pro-Khalistani protesters hoisted the national flag during the demonstration. The principled Sikh preacher and Khalistan supporter Amritpal Singh was seen being called for to be “freed” by multiple demonstrators in videos of the incident as they carried the yellow and black flag of Khalistan.In the footage, one of the protesters is shown climbing a balcony and, amid applause from the other individuals, removing the Indian flag from a pole in front of the high commission. When British police officers arrived on the scene, they stopped the demonstrators from reaching the Indian high commissions entrance. The recordings indicated that the demonstrators yelled epithets and insulted Indian authorities there.In addition to cybercrimes and human trafficking, the NIA Act was modified by the Centre in August 2019 to allow the agency to look into terrorist attacks against Indians and Indian interests overseas.In the fifth India-UK Home Affairs Dialogue, which was held on April 12, India expressed concerns about the Pro-Khalistani elements abuse of the UKs asylum status to aid and abet terrorist activities. To take the required proactive steps, India has requested improved coordination with the UK and intensified surveillance of Pro-Khalistan Extremists residing in the UK.During the meeting, India also raised its concerns over the security breach of the Indian High Commission. Both sides evaluated their current cooperation and identified additional actions that could be taken to explore opportunities and synergies in advancing cooperation in several areas, including anti-Indian activities in the UK, cyber security, global supply chains, drug trafficking, migration, extradition, and pro-Khalistan extremism, among others. Reportedly, the meeting was attended by the top officials of both countries.Notably, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also summoned the UK deputy high commissioner after pro-Khalistan protestors took down the Indian flag at the London High Commission. It has also been reported that pro-Khalistan groups were protesting against the crackdown on Amritpal Singh by Punjab Police.
