The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has initiated a case against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the general counsel of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and a designated terrorist based in the US. The case stems from allegations that Pannun incited Sikh soldiers to prevent Prime Minister Narendra Modi from hoisting the Indian national flag at the Red Fort on August 15, 2025, and allegedly offered a reward of Rs 11 crore for their actions.

The FIR filed by the NIA cites credible information and a video retrieved from the SFJ's official social media account, where Pannun called for obstructing the Prime Minister's flag hoisting. In the video, he also presented a map of Khalistan, which he claims includes parts of Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.

The NIA noted that Pannun had previously declared that the Shaheed Jatha of SFJ would oppose India. The agency stated that he has engaged in activities aimed at disrupting India's sovereignty and spreading disaffection among Sikhs. The FIR indicates that the central government believes a serious offence under the NIA Act has occurred and warrants investigation.

Additionally, the FIR mentions that Pannun held a press conference at the Lahore Press Club in Pakistan on August 10, where he addressed journalists via video link from Washington. During this conference, he rejected India's sovereignty over Punjab and promoted the Khalistan cause, unveiling a new referendum map titled 'Delhi Banayga Khalistan,' which includes Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi.

Pannun faces charges under Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for criminal conspiracy, as well as Sections 10 and 13 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967.