After London, NIA Takes Over Probe Into Attacks On Indian High Commission In US, Canada

Earlier this week, the NIA released CCTV footage of the attack on the Indian Mission in London and sought the help of the public in identifying the culprits.

Protests outside Indian High Commission in London.

New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the probe into the attacks on Indian High Commission in the United States and Canada in March, news agency PTI quoted police sources as saying. The probe agency is already investigating the attacks on the Indian High Commission in London.

Following the March 2023 attacks in Canada and San Francisco, the Delhi Police's Special Cell had registered FIRs under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection, sources said. The probe has now been transferred to the NIA, PTI reported.

A group of alleged pro-Khalistan protesters had attacked and damaged the Indian Consulate in San Francisco. The raised slogans and broke open the makeshift security barriers installed by the city police and put up two Khalistani flags inside the Consulate premises. The flags were soon taken down by two consulate personnel.

In the wake of the incident, India had lodged a strong protest with the US Charge d'Affaires in Delhi. The government had also summoned the Canadian High Commissioner and conveyed its strong concerns about the targeting of Indian diplomatic missions in Canada.

Earlier this week, the NIA released CCTV footage of the attack on the Indian Mission in London and sought the help of the public in identifying the culprits.

The alleged pro-Khalistani protestors tried to vandalise the Indian High Commission in London and pulled down the national flag while holding protests outside the high commission complex on March 19. However, officials from the High Commission had said the attack was foiled.

The incident took place a day after Punjab Police launched a crackdown against radical preacher Amritpal Singh in Punjab.

According to the Metropolitan police, two members of security staff sustained minor injuries which did not require hospital treatment.

Later, India summoned the British deputy high commissioner based in New Delhi and demanded an explanation for the complete "absence of security".

In a strongly-worded statement, the Ministry of External Affairs had said India finds "unacceptable" the indifference of the UK government to the security of Indian diplomatic premises and personnel.