Chandigarh, June 18 (UNI) In an intelligence-led operation, the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Mohali has arrested a key operative of banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in Barnala district, said Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.
Preliminary investigation revealed that in the first week of June, accused Resham Singh, a resident of Hamidi, allegedly vandalized the statue of Dr B R Ambedkar at Nangal in Phillaur (Jalandhar), acting on the directions of USA-based Surinder Singh Thikriwal—a wanted criminal in multiple UAPA cases—and SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannu.
DGP Yadav said that Resham Singh had been absconding since the incident. He is also accused of repeatedly defacing public property with Pro-Khalistan and Pro-SFJ graffiti in Patiala, Faridkot, Jalandhar and other districts.
He said that during the Indo-Pak escalation in May 2025, he painted inflammatory slogans such as “Pakistan Zindabad” and “Khalistan Zindabad” to incite public unrest and promote anti-national sentiments. Evidence indicates he was receiving foreign funding for these unlawful activities.
DGP said that the arrested accused has prior arrests in two UAPA cases—registered in Karnal (Haryana) and Sangrur (Punjab)—linked to similar offences.
An FIR (first information report) has been registered at SSOC Mohali, and further investigation is underway.
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