London, England – The National Investigation Agency (NIA) made a significant arrest on Thursday in connection to the violent attack on the High Commission of India in London last year. Inderpal Singh Gaba, a resident of Hounslow, was taken into custody for involvement in unlawful activities during protests that followed the attack on the Indian embassy by pro-Khalistani demonstrators.
According to a statement released by the NIA, the ongoing investigation has uncovered a larger conspiracy behind the March 19 and March 22 incidents in London, revealing a planned series of aggressive assaults on Indian missions and officials. These actions were reportedly carried out in retaliation for actions taken by Punjab Police against pro-Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh on March 18, 2023.
The events in London were marked by Khalistani supporters pulling down the national flag at the Indian high commission during a protest against crackdowns on separatist elements in Punjab. Following these incidents, the NIA took over the investigation from Delhi police after meetings between the Ministry of Home Affairs and UK home office representatives in April.
A key figure in the violence on March 19 was identified as Avtar Singh Khanda, also known as Azad or Ranjhodh Singh, the self-styled chief of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF). Khanda, who later succumbed to injuries in a Birmingham hospital, was reportedly the mastermind behind the attacks. His death was considered a significant setback for pro-Khalistan elements.
Intelligence agencies have indicated that Khanda’s demise may have been orchestrated by individuals within the Khalistani movement, as he was deemed a liability following his role in the attack on the Indian High Commission. The investigation continues to unfold, shedding light on the complexities and motivations behind the violent events in London.
The arrest of Inderpal Singh Gaba represents a milestone in the NIA’s efforts to unravel the intricate web of conspiracies and actions that led to the assault on the Indian embassy. As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge, providing a clearer picture of the events and individuals involved in these orchestrated attacks.