New Delhi: Almost a month after the incident where pro-Khalistani activists pulled down the national flag at the Indian High Commission in London during a protest, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the case for investigation.
According to sources, the Home Ministry has given a green signal to the NIA to register the case. It was handed over to the NIA by the Counter Terrorism and Counter Radicalization (CTCR) division of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
As per sources, the NIA has requested a copy of the FIR from the Delhi Police's Special Cell, which is handing over the registered case to the NIA.
The MHA took the decision to hand over the case to the NIA following a meeting with UK representatives last week. According to ANI, It is learned that a special team of the NIA, including a Deputy Inspector General rank officer, may visit London "very soon."
Centre amended the NIA Act in August 2019, empowering the agency to investigate terror activities against Indians and Indian interests abroad apart from cyber crimes and human trafficking.
Earlier, on March 19, a group of pro-Khalistan protestors staged a demonstration in front of the Indian High Commission in the United Kingdom, waving Amritpal Singh-themed flags and posters.
During the protest, the national flag flying atop the Indian High Commission in London was pulled down by the pro-Khalistani elements. A man was seen scaling the walls of the Indian High Commission in social media videos while the supporters chanted "Khalistan Zindabad."
The attack occurred when the Punjab government launched a full-scale offensive against Khalistani radical sympathiser Amritpal Singh. Although the police have captured several of his aides, Amritpal Singh has remained elusive so far. Amritpal Singh had become active in Punjab over the past few months.