Ahead of the much-awaited consecration ceremony of the grand temple of Lord Ram at his birthplace in northern Indian state of Ayodhya on January 22, authorities have managed to avert a potential mass casualty event after the arrest of three men linked with terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun’s banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) organisation.
Pannun, who was at the center of a recent diplomatic flashpoint between India and the United States, calls for the separation of the Indian state of Punjab from the Union of India, a cause widely denounced in India.
According to a report in The Times of India, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested three individuals hailing from western India’s Rajasthan state. The arrests were made during the special surveillance and security operation ahead of the inauguration ceremony of Ram Temple on Jan 22.
“Acting on intelligence reports about a potential threat, UPATS identified and tracked a suspicious vehicle in Ayodhya. The occupants of the white Scorpio (HR51BX3753) visited various sensitive locations before heading towards Trimurti Hotel. Subsequently, the individuals were intercepted and apprehended,” Prashant Kumar Director General of Police (Law and Order), was quoted as saying by the Times of India.
One of the three arrested individuals, identified as Shankar Lal, had a police record including a 2011 murder of a Congress party politician.
What was the potential conspiracy?
The report citing the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UPATS) said that the trio received instructions from abroad from a Khalistan supporter to conduct reconnaissance in Ayodhya. The Khalistan supporter acted as a mediator between Pannun and the arrested three individuals.
The group also tried to shield their activities by displaying a flag depicting God Ram on their vehicle.
Also watch | Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Security arrangements increased in Ayodhya
Terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun released an audio message in which he claimed that the trio arrested in Ayodhya are members of his banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) organisation.
Authorities are investigating the claim made in the audio message.
(With inputs from agencies)
