New Delhi: Delhi Police has arrested two men allegedly linked to the banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) for writing pro-Khalistan slogans at two locations in the national capital shortly before Republic Day. The arrests were confirmed by officials on Thursday, highlighting a localized attempt to create communal unrest.
The accused have been identified as Baljinder, an ambulance driver working in Delhi, and his associate Rohit, also known as Kirth.
The Pannun Connection and Financial Incentives
According to the police, the duo acted under the instructions of Canada-based SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Investigators revealed that Pannun had allegedly promised the men ₹2 lakh to deface public places with graffiti. The objective was to disturb communal harmony and create a sense of unrest in the city in the days leading up to the January 26 celebrations.
“The accused wrote some pro-Khalistan graffiti at two separate locations in Delhi just before the Republic Day,” a senior police officer stated, noting that the act was a deliberate bid to gain international attention during a high-security period.
Coordination via Encrypted Platforms
Investigations revealed that the conspiracy was hatched in Canada, where a close associate of Pannun coordinated the logistics. This handler recruited Baljinder and Rohit, maintaining constant contact through encrypted communication platforms to avoid detection by intelligence agencies.
During questioning, Baljinder admitted that he was lured by the promise of easy money and logistical support. His associate, Rohit, played a key role in scouting locations that would provide maximum visibility for the slogans while allowing for a quick escape.
Ongoing Crackdown on SFJ Networks
The Delhi Police are now analyzing the digital footprints of the accused to trace the money trail and identify any other local sleeper cells. “The police are continuing to search for more people connected to Mr. Pannun and his network,” the officer added.
The arrest comes amidst a broader crackdown on SFJ-related activities, which have frequently attempted to use local recruits for low-level vandalism to project a larger presence in the capital.