Audio Clip Claims Threat To Indian Flag At G20 Meet Venue In Delhi, Probe Launched: Police

In the audio message, an alleged Khalistan supporter was talking about taking over Pragati Maidan and removing the Indian flag. He also allegedly talked about 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh.

In the audio message, an alleged Khalistan supporter was talking about taking over Pragati Maidan and removing the Indian flag.

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New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Saturday registered a case against unidentified people for recording and circulating an audio message containing a threat to remove the Indian flag from Pragati Maidan, the venue for high profile G-20 meet in September, news agency PTI reported.

According to the report, police swung into action after a complaint lodged by a man who claimed to have received a pre-recorded message on his phone when he reached the Delhi airport.

In the audio message, an alleged Khalistan supporter was talking about taking over Pragati Maidan and removing the Indian flag. Later, the person also allegedly talked about 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh, police said.

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Police registered a case against unidentified persons under Sections 153 (provocation with intent to cause riot), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion etc) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code at IGI Airport Police Station.

The case has been transferred to the Special Cell unit of Delhi Police, officials said.

Notably, Amritpal Singh, the radical preacher, is on the run after the Punjab Police arrested several of his supporters in a major crackdown that was launched weeks after the group stormed the Ajnala Police Station near Amritsar to secure the release of an arrested aide.

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The incident had raised fears over the possibility of the return of Khalistani militancy to Punjab that borders Pakistan.

According to police, efforts are underway to trace Amritpal Singh and a lookout circular and a non-bailable warrant has also been issued against the Khalistan sympathiser.

The threat to the Indian flag comes days after it was attacked in the Indian High Commission in London.

India lodged a strong protest against the developments in London, apart from diplomatic demonstrations where the Indian side reduced security around the British high commission and the envoy’s official resident in Delhi this week.