NEW DELHI, INDIA: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made a significant arrest in connection to the violent attack on the Indian high commission in London last year. The suspect, identified as Inderpal Singh Gaba from Hounslow in the United Kingdom, was apprehended in Delhi upon arrival, following a look-out circular issued against him.
This development marks a notable milestone as it signifies the collaboration between law enforcement agencies from both countries. This arrest of a British resident for a crime that occurred within the UK’s jurisdiction is seen as a strong deterrent to prevent similar breaches of security, disrespect towards the Indian flag, or any threats to Indian interests abroad.
According to a senior officer, NIA’s investigation has unveiled that the attacks in London on March 19 and 22, 2023, were part of a larger conspiracy to unleash violent assaults on Indian missions and officials. These incidents were reportedly in retaliation to the actions taken by the Punjab Police against pro-Khalistan separatist Amritpal Singh, who was arrested the previous year.
Following the attacks on the Indian high commission, the Indian government had summoned the senior-most diplomat from the UK high commission in London to demand an explanation for the lack of security that led to the breach. The assault on the high commission involved a group of 50 individuals who trespassed illegally, disrespected the Indian flag, damaged public property, and caused injuries to officials present.
The perpetrators of the attack, allegedly led by individuals associated with Gurcharan Singh, Dal Khalsa, UK; Avtar Singh Khanda of KLF, Jasvir Singh, and their accomplices, were identified during the investigation. An NIA team visited the UK to investigate the incident and subsequently conducted a crowdsourcing effort to gather information on the UK-based individuals involved, leading to the issuance of lookout circulars and a manhunt for the attackers.
In their pursuit of justice, NIA conducted raids in Punjab and Haryana to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy behind the March attack. Additionally, UK’s Metropolitan Police had arrested a suspect in October, later released on bail. The agency is dedicated to leaving no stone unturned in holding the culprits accountable and dismantling their network of support, whether based in India or abroad.