NIA Team to Conduct Investigation in London in Indian High Commission Vandalism Case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has sent a team of officials to the United Kingdom to probe the incident of vandalism at the Indian High Commission that occurred just over two months ago. This is the first time an NIA team will conduct an investigation on British soil.

Just over two months ago, on March 19, pro-Khalistan supporters gathered outside the Indian High Commission in London demanding the freedom of radical Sikh preacher and Khalistan sympathizer Amritpal Singh. Videos from the location showed supporters climbing up the balcony of the High Commission and pulling down the national flag from a pole. They were chanting pro-Khalistani slogans carrying the yellow and black Khalistan flag.

In April, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) met with UK representatives and decided to hand over the probe in this case to the NIA. Now, after two months, a five-person team has been sent to London to investigate the matter. They have taken with them a list of Khalistani links in the city which may be shared with the authorities in London.

This is the first time that an NIA team will conduct an investigation on British soil. In August 2019, the Centre amended the NIA Act allowing the agency to investigate terror activities against Indians and Indian interests on foreign soil, apart from cybercrimes and human trafficking.

As of now, it is unclear how long the investigation will last and what steps will be taken to curb the acts of violence.

Furthermore, back in India, the NIA has announced a cash reward of Rs. 10 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Kashmir Singh Galwaddi alias “Balbir Singh” who is wanted for conspiracy to wage war against the country. A case against him was registered on August 20 last year under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Vineet Washington