In April, the Union Home Ministry issued a directive to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to initiate a new case concerning the London protests. This decision came after a preliminary investigation indicated a potential terrorist connection involving Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The ministry instructed the Delhi Police, which had previously filed a FIR under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), to transfer the investigation to the NIA.
According to a source, Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De, along with his nine associates, was interrogated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Assam’s Dibrugarh jail regarding the violence that took place outside the Indian High Commission in London on March 19.
The NIA (National Investigation Agency), which dispatched a team to London in the previous month to investigate the crime scene and gather CCTV footage of the assault, has recently made five videos public. The agency is appealing to the general public for assistance in identifying the individuals responsible for the attempted vandalism of the High Commission. Prior to their trip to London, the NIA team had interrogated Amritpal and his companions.
According to a source within the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the investigative team has chosen to question Amritpal and his acquaintances following the discovery of their frequent communication with Avtar Singh Khanda. Avtar Singh Khanda, a prominent figure among the protesters, allegedly incited them by vociferously chanting slogans against India and in favor of Khalistan.
“Following consultations with senior officers, the NIA team requested authorisation from a Delhi court. The court subsequently directed the Superintendent of Dibrugarh jail to grant permission for a four-day questioning of Amritpal and others by the NIA team. Furthermore, the court permitted the team to bring along essential digital devices to aid in the ongoing investigation,” an official stated.
Following extensive questioning, the investigation team initially convened with intelligence officials from the United Kingdom in Delhi before proceeding to London. According to reports, they held meetings with relevant officials who assured them that suitable measures would be taken, albeit after the completion of all legal proceedings. While on their visit, the team confiscated the CCTV footage pertaining to the incident and meticulously documented statements from the complainant and other individuals who witnessed the event, as disclosed by a trusted source.
The NIA team has made available a series of five videos capturing the incident involving the attack on the High Commission of India in London. These videos can be accessed on the NIA website, categorized under the title “CCTV footage of the attack by anti-national elements on the High Commission of India in London.” Additionally, the NIA has shared the corresponding link on its official Twitter account. In the interest of public safety, the NIA appeals to all members of the public to come forward with any information pertaining to the individuals observed in the footage. Any details or tips regarding these persons should be promptly reported to the NIA. It is important to note that the identity of the informant will remain strictly confidential and undisclosed.
During the protest, a staff member of the High Commission claimed that they were assaulted and harmed by a protester attempting to remove the Tiranga, while also stating that the gathering outside caused significant harm to the mission’s premises.
