NIA raids in Punjab over 2023 pro-Khalistani attacks in Canada
What's the story
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted multiple raids across several districts in Punjab on Friday.
These operations are linked to a case from March 2023, when supporters of Khalistan protested outside the High Commission of India in Ottawa, Canada.
Raids were conducted in the districts of Moga, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Jalandhar in Punjab, ANI reported.
Raid details
Raids target residences of MLA Amritpal Singh's family
The NIA raids were reportedly conducted at the residences of family members of MP Amritpal Singh, a Sikh separatist leader arrested in 2023 for reviving calls for an independent Sikh homeland in Punjab.
The first raid took place at the home of Pragat Singh, Amritpal's uncle.
This was followed by raids at the houses of Amritpal's brother-in-law and another relative.
Twitter Post
Raids underway
#WATCH | NIA is conducting raids at multiple locations in Punjab's Moga, Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Jalandhar districts in connection with a terror conspiracy case.
— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024
Visuals from the residence of relatives of independent MP and Waris Punjab De Chief Amritpal Singh, in Khadoor Sahib. pic.twitter.com/7eCBCHn6wt
Protest recap
Details of the March 2023 protest
During the March 2023 protest, demonstrators chanted anti-India slogans and attached Khalistani flags to the boundary wall of the High Commission.
A prominent member also reportedly threw two grenades onto the premises.
The NIA filed its First Information Report (FIR) in June 2023 in connection with this case, naming Amarjot Singh—brother-in-law of imprisoned Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal—as a key figure in these protests.