Published 22:56 IST, December 18th 2020
NIA files chargesheet against 10 Khalistani terrorists in cases of violence in Punjab
Designated terrorist and head of the secessionist outfit Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has been named in the chargesheet by the investigative agency.
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In a massive crackdown on terror outfit — Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), National Investigation ncy (NIA) on Friday filed ar chargesheet against 10 members of group under charges of criminal conspiracy, violence and sedition.
Designated terrorist and head of secessionist outfit, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has also been named in chargesheet along with ors namely— Pargat Singh, Sukhraj Singh, Bikramjit Singh, Manjeet Singh, Jatinder Singh, Gurwinder Singh, Harpreet Singh, Kuldeep Singh and Harmeet Singh.
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"Investigation in case has revealed that SFJ has launched an incessant campaign using numerous social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, YouTube channels and a number of websites to propagate sedition and disturb peace and harmony in India," a statement said.
chargesheet has been filed by investigative body under several sections of Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) pertaining to 2017-18 violence and arson in Punjab. Khalistani outfit has also been named for carrying out propaganda activities, both online and on-ground, in support of Referendum-2020.
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SFJ radicalizing youth via social media: NIA
Earlier NIA had filed a chargesheet on December 9 against 16 foreign-based Khalistani supporters under SFJ. As per NIA, SFJ has launched a massive social media campaign to propagate sedition as well as enmity on grounds of region and religion, to radicalise impressionable youth. "se acts were committed by a gang of radicalised Sikh youth under direction and financial assistance from SFJ handlers located abroad as part of an organised conspiracy by accused for launching a concerted secessionist campaign for creation of Khalistan," NIA said in a statement.
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"se social media accounts are being used to radicalise impressionable youth and breed enmity on grounds of region and religion. investigation has also clearly established that Gurpatwant Singh Pannun radicalised and recruited or accused persons into SFJ, an organisation declared as an "Unlawful Association" under UAPA," it added.
On December 7, Delhi police had arrested five suspected terrorists having links with Khalistan and ISI. arrest took place after an encounter that took place in Delhi's Shakarpoor area. Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) which was formed in 2007, seeks a separate homeland for Sikhs — a “Khalistan” in Punjab. India banned US-based terror outfit in 2009.
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(With ncy Inputs)
22:56 IST, December 18th 2020