Arrest Made in London for Attack on Indian Mission by Pro-Khalistani Group

A key suspect, identified as Inderpal Singh Gaba, has been arrested by the National Investigation Agency in connection with the attack on the High Commission of India in London and the subsequent protests. Gaba, a resident of Hounslow in the United Kingdom, has been charged with unlawful activities during the protests that took place on March 22, 2023. According to the anti-terror agency, the attacks on the high commission were believed to be a response to the actions taken by the Punjab Police against pro-Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh on March 18 of the same year.

The NIA stated that its investigations have shown that the incidents in London on March 19 and 22 were part of a larger conspiracy to carry out aggressive acts against the Indian missions and its officials. During the protests, Khalistan sympathizers staged a demonstration at the Indian High Commission in London to protest the crackdown on Amritpal Singh, even removing the Indian flag from the building’s first-floor balcony. This led to the Indian mission raising an even bigger flag in response.

Additionally, the Indian community in the UK organized a large gathering in front of the Indian High Commission to express their disapproval of the flag desecration and called for action from the Mayor of London and the British government against those responsible. In response to these events, the Ministry of External Affairs summoned the UK’s senior diplomat in Delhi and demanded an explanation for the perceived lack of security at the high commission. It also expressed dissatisfaction with what it saw as the UK government’s neglect of Indian diplomats and personnel, deeming it “unacceptable”.