NIA takes up probe into vandalisation of India’s properties in US, Canada by Khalistani goons

After initiating a rigorous probe into the vandalisation of the Indian High Commission in London by Khalistani goons, National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken up the investigation of similar attacks in USA and Canada.

Continuing the crackdown on the so-called Khalistanis, majority of whom are seeking asylum in foreign lands, the NIA has taken up the cases registered by Delhi police against the attacks in these two countries. The vandalism was linked to protests held in Canada and San Francisco (US) in March 2023 following the crackdown on Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh.

The pro-Khalistani protestors not only vandalised the India consulate in the USA but also issued threats to Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu that he could face a similar fate to what former president of India Zail Singh faced back in 1994. The US had officially condemned the attack then. Similarly, the Khalistan supporters attacked the Indian Embassy in Canada and assaulted Indian-origin journalists present on the spot.

Following the two attacks, the Delhi Police Special Cell had registered FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) regarding the March 2023 attack in Canada and San Francisco (US).  Highly placed sources in the agency claim that they are taking over all cases registered against ‘Khalistani elements’. The teams are expected to visit the countries shortly and collect evidence and record statements.

The Canadian government has been under criticism from various groups in the country for allegedly failing to curtail Khalistani activities. The recent tableau parade by pro-Khalistani supporters on Operation Blue star anniversary celebrating the assassination of former PM Indira Gandhi has led to worldwide uproar and series of protests against the failure of the Canadian government to curb such activities.

One such protest was held by Grameen Vikas Samiti outside the High Commission of Canada in Delhi. They raised slogans against Canadian PM Justin Trudeau for not objecting to an objectionable tableau.

The parade float in Canada was condemned by external affairs minister S Jaishankar. Answering queries during a press conference on nine years of Modi government, Jaishankar slammed Canada over the incident and said giving space to extremists is not good for relations between the two countries.

“We are at a loss to understand other than the requirements of vote bank politics why anybody would do this. I think there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence. I think it is not good for relationships, not good for Canada,” Jaishankar said adding, it isn’t only an incident in Canada “however egregious it may be”.

Earlier, the issue was also addressed by MoS MEA Meeenaksi Lekhi, who while hitting out at the Canadian Government said assassination is an offence and cannot be celebrated.

Also read : Mastermind of Indian High Commission attack in London Avtar Singh Khanda dies, NIA investigation picks up pace