Khalistani terrorist Pannun-linked sleeper cell operatives arrested in Delhi

Pro-Khalistan graffiti case: Delhi Police arrest Pannun-linked operatives

February 5, 2026

Khalistani conspiracy from Canada foiled ahead of Republic Day: Delhi Police

Republic Day threat plot: Sleeper cell tied to Pannun exposed in Delhi

The Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested two sleeper cell operatives linked to Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, founder of the banned organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), for painting pro-Khalistan slogans at multiple locations in the national capital ahead of Republic Day.

Police identified the accused as Baljinder, an ambulance driver based in Delhi, and his associate Rohit alias Kirat. Their arrests followed an investigation into slogans such as “Khalistan Zindabad” that appeared at two public locations just days before January 26, triggering serious security concerns during the high-alert period.

Canada-based conspiracy, Pannun’s role under scanner

According to the Special Cell, the act was part of a well-orchestrated conspiracy aimed at disturbing communal harmony and creating fear in the capital during Republic Day celebrations.

Investigators revealed that the plan was hatched from Canada, where a close associate of Pannun allegedly coordinated the operation. Police said Pannun himself played a key role in instigating the act, allegedly offering the accused ₹2 lakh to execute the vandalism.

Overseas handler and local recruitment

Police further disclosed that the mastermind of the operation, a resident of Tilak Nagar in Delhi, travelled to Canada a few days before Republic Day and remained in direct contact with Pannun during the execution of the plan.

Acting on instructions from overseas handlers, Baljinder and Rohit were recruited to paint the slogans at pre-identified locations in Delhi, the police said.

FIR registered under multiple BNS sections

Based on intelligence inputs and recovered material, the Delhi Police Special Cell registered an FIR against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:

Section 196 – Promoting enmity between different groups
Section 197 – Imputations prejudicial to national integration
Section 152 – Acts endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India
Section 61 – Criminal conspiracy

Police said the case was registered after verifying threats and locations linked to the pro-Khalistan graffiti, which appeared intended to spread unrest during a nationally significant event.

Search on for wider Khalistani network

The Special Cell said searches are ongoing to trace other close associates of Pannun who may be part of the larger sleeper cell network operating under foreign direction.

Officials indicated that more arrests are likely as investigators work to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and identify funding channels, handlers, and logistical support within India.

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