CRPF school blast: After Punjab, is Delhi a target of pro-Khalistani operatives?

The blast that dug a hole in the boundary wall of a CRPF school and damaged the window panes and signboards of the shops opposite the school in Rohini, seems to have been a warning to Indian security agencies, who have been chasing the Khalistan networks not only within the country but on foreign shores. 

Initial probe by the Delhi Police is examining key evidence related to threat issued on Telegram app warning agencies that their close associates or family members may be the next target. “All angles are being investigated and precautionary steps being taken by paramilitary forces for the safety of vital installations as well as their close associates,” said a security official . 

The threats come at a time when the name of a former intelligence officer, Vikas Yadav, cited by the US FBI, has been doing the rounds in social media posts, especially describing his stint in the CRPF.

Intelligence sources said that any terror strike meant to cause huge damage would not have restricted itself to a less populated location, rather would have gone for a crowded location or even followed up with another strike, but the fact that it was outside the school seems to be a warning by the perpetrators. Given that the pro-Khalistan terrorists on Canadian soil had carried out lethal Rocket Propelled Grenade attacks on Punjab police headquarters in Mohali and Sirhali police station in Punjab in 2022 besides several targeted killings in last few years, the focus towards Delhi is a huge matter of concern for investigating agencies. Delhi has not been targeted by pro-Khalistani terrorists in some years and the threats cannot be taken lightly, said a Punjab police official. 

The nuisance value of the pro-Khalistan supporters as well as the operatives has grown manifold in the last few months, as they have created groups on social media to spread disaffection against the Indian state, said a senior official. The telegram group under scanner of Delhi police had 333 members and, according to sources, several layers were created to hide the true identity of the creators. 

While links of this group to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang are being investigated, the police are also trying to ascertain whether any other outfits are trying to fish in troubled waters. 

Over last few months, the threat issued by banned Sikhs For Justice operative Gurpatwant Pannun to Air India is already under scanner of the investigating agencies . 

“Pannun has gone scotfree despite issuing open threat to Indian airlines. His call to storm the Indian airport during the G20 summit and warnings at Delhi metro stations have been seen by the international community but no action has been taken despite Indian agencies raising an alarm,” said a senior security official. 

The threats issued by Pannun in the national capital during the G20 meeting had prompted Indian agencies to flag the issue with their US counterparts. “While the US agencies would have acted promptly had any threat been issued to an American asset, there has been no action or even questioning of Pannun,” said the official .

Sources in the security establishment said that recent threats to Indian airlines might also be the handiwork of pro-Khalistan outfits. “Nothing is certain as of now but all outfits who have targeted airlines and issued threats are under scanner, including the SFJ link,” said an intelligence official.

However, there is continued worry in the security establishment about US and Canada disregarding the evidence shared against Pannun and other Khalistani operatives even as their footprints continue to grow both on Indian soil and abroad.