By Amit Sarwal and Jitarth Bharadwaj
India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) is seeking public help to identify Khalistani miscreants.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed the NIA to file cases in connection with the attack by Khalistan protesters on the Indian High Commission in London on 19 March 2023.
The NIA has now shared footage from vandalism attempt that took place in London.
The agency said in a statement:
“CCTV footage of the attack by anti-national elements on High Commission of India London, which happened on 19.03.2023 is uploaded above. All the members of public are requested to provide any information regarding the persons seen in the footage to the NIA in public interest.”
It was reported that on 19 March Pro-Khalistani protestors had pulled down the Indian national flag as they created a ruckus and vandalism outside the High Commission complex.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan police told media:
“Windows were broken at the high commission building. Two members of security staff sustained injuries. These are believed to be minor; they did not require hospital treatment.”
They added:
“Officers attended the location. The majority of those present had dispersed prior to the arrival of police. An investigation was launched, and one male was arrested nearby a short time later on suspicion of violent disorder. Inquiries continue.”
The man was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder as footage emerged of him detaching the Indian flag from the first-floor balcony of the building while a crowd of extremists waving Khalistan banners appeared to encourage him.
The British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis, condemned the incident on Twitter: “I condemn the disgraceful acts today against the people and premises of the @HCI_London – totally unacceptable.”
British Foreign Office Minister Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon said he was “appalled” and the government would take the security of the Indian High Commission “seriously”.
He added:
“This is a completely unacceptable action against the integrity of the Mission and its staff.”
Based on the above incident, a case has also been registered by the Delhi Police on 24 March: “On receipt of a report from the Ministry of External Affairs on the incident at Indian High Commission, London on March 19, 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs asked Delhi Police to take appropriate legal action.”
In its recent request to the general public, the NIA has further added that the “identity of the informant shall be kept secret.”
If anyone has information on extremists Khalistan supporters, they can share it via dedicated WhatsApp on +917290009373.
In Australia, Victoria Police had also arrested three men in relation to alleged violence against Indian-Australians at Federation Square in Melbourne on 29th January 2023.
- A 23-year-old man from Kalkallo charged with affray an unlawful assault;
- A 39-year-old man from Strathtulloh charged with affray and violent disorder; and
- A 36-year-old from Craigieburn charged with affray and violent disorder.
All those charged in March were out on bail to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 8 August 2023. The investigation into Federation Square violence by Khalisatan supporters remains ongoing and Victoria Police are making further enquiries to identify and apprehend alleged offenders from the day.
