New Delhi: In a significant development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended a key suspect in connection with last year’s violent attack on the Indian high commission in London. The individual, identified as Inderpal Singh Gaba and hailing from Hounslow in the United Kingdom, was arrested upon his arrival in Delhi based on a previously issued look-out circular.
This arrest marks a historic moment as the NIA has taken into custody a British resident for a crime that transpired within UK jurisdiction. According to a senior officer, this action underscores the increasing coordination between law enforcement agencies of both countries and serves as a deterrent against future breaches of security or threats to Indian interests overseas.
The NIA’s investigation into the case has revealed that the events in London on March 19 and 22, 2023, were part of a larger conspiracy to carry out vicious attacks on Indian missions and officials. These attacks were reportedly in retaliation to the Punjab Police’s actions against pro-Khalistan separatist Amritpal Singh, who was arrested the previous year.
Following the incidents, the Indian government summoned the senior-most diplomat from the UK high commission in London to demand an explanation for the lack of security that led to the attack on the high commission. The assault involved a group of 50 individuals who trespassed, disrespected the Indian flag, damaged public property, and inflicted injuries on high commission officials.
Allegedly orchestrated by Gurcharan Singh, Dal Khalsa, UK; Avtar Singh Khanda of KLF, Jasvir Singh, and their associates – both Indian and foreign nationals – the attack has prompted extensive investigative efforts. In May 2023, an NIA team traveled to the UK to probe the incident, subsequently issuing a dozen look-out circulars and commencing a manhunt to track down the attackers.
Furthermore, in August, NIA conducted raids at 31 locations in Punjab and Haryana to expose the full extent of the conspiracy behind the March attack. The agency has reiterated its commitment to hold all those involved accountable, including their supporters both domestically and internationally. These efforts have also resulted in the seizure of digital data containing crucial information related to the accused individuals tied to the attack.