Threats of terrorism in Ahmedabad: Case filed against Sikh leader

Ahmedabad:  As the world's attention focuses on the ICC World Cup taking place in the Indian city of Ahmedabad, the event has been marred by threats of terrorism even before its commencement.

In response to these menacing calls, an FIR (First Information Report) has been registered against Sikh leader Gurptunat Singh Pannu.

Reports from Indian media reveal that terrorists have issued threats targeting matches scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad, including the highly anticipated Pakistan-India match set for October 14.

The FIR lodged in Ahmedabad connects Khalistan separatist Gurptunat Singh Pannu to threats linked to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

The cybercrime branch of the Ahmedabad police stated in the FIR that several individuals had received threats through pre-recorded voice messages sent from a foreign number, allegedly from the leader of the banned organization 'Sikhs for Justice.'

Pannu has been designated as a 'terrorist' by India since July 1, 2020.

Indian media outlets have claimed that these threats were made in response to the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in June.

According to the FIR, the audio calls containing threats against the World Cup matches in Ahmedabad originated from a foreign number with the country code +44, which belongs to the United Kingdom.

A police officer confirmed that the recorded calls matched Pannu's voice.

The threat of 'attacking Ahmedabad with the Khalistan flag' as retribution for Nijjar's death has recently become a diplomatic point of contention between India and Canada.

The FIR against Pannu includes charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and Information Technology Act for conspiracy and hate speech.

Sources within the police department revealed that the threatening phone calls were received by various legal, media, and law enforcement professionals based in Ahmedabad.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Cybercrime) Jitendra M Yadav confirmed the registration of the FIR against Pannu.

He also noted that similar threats had been made during the India-Australia match in March earlier this year, an event attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese.