New Delhi, India – The National Investigation Agency (NIA) made a significant breakthrough by arresting a key suspect in connection with the violent attacks on the Indian high commission in London last year. The arrest marks the first development in the case, shedding light on the back-to-back assaults that took place on March 19 and 22.
The suspect, identified as Inderpal Singh Gaba, was apprehended in Delhi for his alleged involvement in the March 22 attack, during which over 2,000 pro-Khalistan supporters vandalized the high commission building and defaced it with various items, including ink. The violent incidents were directed by UK-based Sikh radical Avtar Singh Khanda, a leader of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), who passed away in a UK hospital in June 2023.
The attacks were believed to be retaliatory actions against Punjab police’s confrontation with Amritpal Singh, the chief of Waris Punjab De, on March 18. Singh, now incarcerated in a high-security prison in Assam, was the target of the protesters’ anger. The NIA probe revealed a larger conspiracy behind the assaults on Indian missions and officials, linking the incidents in London to a broader plan orchestrated by pro-Khalistani leaders based in the UK.
Following the arrest, the NIA did not disclose Gaba’s specific role in the attack or his association with pro-Khalistani figures. However, the agency confirmed that the incidents in London were part of a coordinated effort to destabilize the region. The NIA team collaborated with the Metropolitan police in London to collect evidence, resulting in the identification of numerous suspects involved in the violent acts.
Investigations also revealed ties between the arrested suspect and prominent Khalistani leaders associated with radicalization efforts targeting Sikh youth. Authorities suspect that the arrested individual, along with other key figures, was part of a dangerous plot to disrupt peace in Punjab. The efforts to dismantle the larger conspiracy led to the identification of individuals with affiliations to banned extremist groups like Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).
Furthermore, intelligence agencies highlighted the role of Avtar Singh Khanda in radicalizing Sikh youth and promoting anti-India sentiments. The investigations uncovered a network of individuals, both Indian and foreign nationals, working towards destabilizing the region. As authorities continue to probe the matter, more suspects are expected to be identified through questioning and further examination of the evidence gathered.
The NIA’s actions underscore the ongoing efforts to combat extremist activities aimed at causing harm to diplomatic missions and officials. The collaborative approach between Indian and UK authorities has been instrumental in unraveling the intricate web of conspiracies orchestrated by pro-Khalistani elements. As the investigation progresses, authorities remain vigilant in addressing the challenges posed by radicalization and ensuring the security of Indian assets abroad.