NIA arrests accused in pro-Khalistani attack on Indian High Commission in London

A significant breakthrough has emerged in the investigation into the attack on the Indian High Commission in London last year, along with the ensuing protests, as a crucial suspect has been arrested by the National Investigation Agency.

Inderpal Singh Gaba, a resident of Hounslow in the United Kingdom, has been detained for his involvement in unlawful activities during the protests that took place on March 22, 2023.

The National Investigation Agency revealed that the attacks on the Indian High Commission in London were retaliatory actions following the Punjab Police’s intervention against pro-Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh on March 18 of the same year.

According to a statement from the NIA, their ongoing investigations have unveiled that the events in London on March 19 and 22 last year were a part of a broader conspiracy aimed at orchestrating violent assaults on Indian missions and officials.

The demonstration by Khalistan sympathisers at the Indian High Commission in London, protesting the crackdown on Amritpal Singh, included the removal of the Indian flag from the building’s first-floor balcony, prompting the Indian mission to display an even larger flag in response.

In reaction to the flag desecration incident, the Indian community in the UK organized a substantial gathering in front of the Indian High Commission, condemning the act and urging the Mayor of London and the British government to take action against those responsible.

Furthermore, the Ministry of External Affairs summoned the UK’s senior-most diplomat in Delhi and issued a statement demanding an explanation for the “lack of security” at the high commission. It also expressed that the UK government’s perceived “indifference” towards Indian diplomats and personnel was deemed “unacceptable.”