NIA arrests key accused involved in attack on Indian High Commission in London

NIA arrests key accused involved in attack on Indian High Commission in London

NEW DELHI: National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday arrested a key accused in a case linked to the attack on the Indian High Commission in London last year.

Inderpal Singh Gaba, a resident of Hounslow in the UK, has been arrested for carrying out unlawful activities during protests that took place on March 22, 2023, in London, a statement issued by the agency said.

NIA investigations in the case so far have revealed that the incidents in London on March 19 and 22 last year were part of a larger conspiracy to unleash vicious attacks on the Indian missions and its officials.

The attacks in London in March 2023 were found to be in retaliation to the action taken by the Punjab Police against pro-Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh on March 18, 2023, it added.

Last year, Scotland Yard arrested a man on suspicion of “violent disorder” in connection with the same.

The Metropolitan Police said the man, who was arrested during a protest outside India House, was held in connection with a protest on March 19. However, the man was released on bail pending further enquiries.

In the attack on the Indian High Commission on March 19 in 2023, pro-Khalistan extremists scaled the building and attempted to pull down the Indian national flag. At least one official was injured as objects were hurled at the building and windows were shattered.

Reacting to the incident, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the senior-most UK diplomat in New Delhi to convey India’s “strong protest” at the actions of separatist and extremist elements against the High Commission of India in London.

In June, the NIA also released photographs of suspects they believed were involved in the violent protest as the central agency took over the probe after Home Ministry officials met UK representatives in the wake of the attack.

(With agencies input)

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