New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a fresh case against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US-based Khalistani terrorist, for offering a reward to prevent Prime Minister Narendra Modi from hoisting the national flag on Independence Day and "spreading disaffection among Sikhs against India", among other offences.

According to the NIA’s FIR, Pannun, general counsel of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) organisation, made the announcement on August 10 at a "Meet the Press" event at the Lahore Press Club in Pakistan.

In a video address from Washington, he declared a reward of Rs 11 crore to "Sikh soldiers" who would stop Modi from unfurling the tricolour at the Red Fort in Delhi.

Khalistan map unveiled

The FIR further states that Pannun unveiled a map for a new Khalistan, which he claimed would include Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. He also said the SFJ had created a "Shaheed Jatha" to fight against India.

"By doing so, he has indulged in activities for disrupting sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of India and spreading disaffection among Sikhs against India," the FIR reads.

Evidence cited by NIA

Citing "credible information" and a video retrieved from the SFJ’s channel on X, the FIR highlights Pannun’s announcement of the reward aimed at preventing Modi from hoisting the national flag at the Red Fort on August 15.

The case, filed under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), names "Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and other unknown persons".

Home ministry directive

The registration of the case followed a directive from the Union home ministry. In its order, the ministry said Pannun, a designated terrorist, addressed the Lahore event via video link from Washington, "primarily focussing on the rejection of India's sovereignty over Punjab and the promotion of Khalistan".

The order also reiterated that Pannun offered Rs 11 crore to the "Sikh soldiers" who would stop Modi from hoisting the tricolour on August 15.

Referendum map push

During the press conference, Pannun presented the SFJ’s new "Delhi Banayga Khalistan" referendum map, which incorporated Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi into the "envisioned Khalistan", according to the FIR.

The ministry stated, "having regard to the gravity of the offence, its national and international ramifications and the need to unearth the larger conspiracy, it is required to be investigated by the National Investigation Agency".