The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at two locations connected to the India branch of the UK-based NGO Khalsa Aid on Tuesday as part of a significant operation. At 6 AM and lasting until the afternoon, simultaneous searches were conducted at Rishi Colony and a home in Shera Wala Gate, Patiala, Punjab.
The NIA also conducted searches in the districts of Amritsar, Mohali, and Muktsar. Notably, one of the raids took place at Paramjit Singh Pamma’s home in Phase 3B2 in Mohali. At six in the morning, NIA agents visited Pamma’s home and began questioning, which included speaking with his parents.
Uncertainty was expressed by a Khalsa Aid representative on the purpose of the raid. Amarpreet Singh and his family were questioned by NIA agents..
Amarpreet Singh acknowledged in a statement that he gave the NIA investigators his complete cooperation. On August 3, he has been ordered to go to the NIA office in Delhi, where he would be questioned regarding Khalsa Aid’s alleged participation in anti-national activities.
The NIA also requested information regarding the organization’s financial sources and the number of volunteers employed by it.
Amarpreet Singh’s phone and a few documents pertaining to Khalsa Aid were taken during the raid by NIA agents.
Background to the NIA’s Khalsa Aid Investigation
The Khalsa Aid investigation by the NIA began during the 2021 Farmer protests. The NIA claimed that Sikhs for Justice was funnelling money into farmer protests through NGOs to support Khalistan’s “Referendum 2020” after filing a case against them under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The NIA called Khalsa Aid members, farmer union leaders, activists, and journalists from Punjab and Haryana while the farmer protests were taking place at the Delhi border. However, because of the ongoing protests, their appearances were postponed.
Hindustan Times said that the NIA’s probe into Khalsa Aid is ongoing as investigators look into the group’s operations and any connections to separatist organisations. As the investigation goes on, more updates should be expected.