Confiscation of Khalistani Terrorist Pannu's assets in Punjab

In a significant development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has confiscated the assets of Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, the chief of banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), in both Amritsar and Chandigarh. This marks the first time that property has been attached in a terrorism-related case in India.

A notice of property confiscation was displayed outside Pannu's house in Chandigarh, located in Sector 15-C. This action was undertaken under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. A similar notice was also posted at his ancestral village, Khankot, in Amritsar.

Details of confiscation

Pannu's agricultural land, measuring 46 kanals, located in Khankot, Amritsar, has been confiscated by the NIA in connection with a terror case filed in 2020. The move comes amid Pannu facing around 22 criminal cases in Punjab, including three for sedition. It is believed that he is currently residing in Canada, where he holds citizenship.

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Pannu's outfit, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), has played a central role in diplomatic tensions between India and Canada. These tensions escalated after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made allegations of potential Indian involvement in the killing of SFJ's ally, Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in British Columbia. India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020. India denied the allegations and responded by expelling a senior Canadian diplomat in retaliation.

NIA's accusations against Pannu

The NIA has accused Pannu's organization of radicalizing youth and promoting terrorism. Pannu, declared a terrorist by India's Ministry of Home Affairs in July 2020, has been actively using cyberspace to incite and radicalize young individuals. He has been encouraging them to commit acts of terrorism and challenge the sovereignty, integrity, and security of India in the pursuit of Khalistan.

The NIA's actions are a significant step in addressing terrorism-related activities, and the property confiscation serves as a warning to those involved in such activities.

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