Pro-Khalistani Protest in London: Man Arrested Over Attack on Indian High Commission

LONDON: A man has been apprehended by Scotland Yard on charges of "violent disorder" in connection with an attack on the Indian High Commission in London earlier this year. The Metropolitan Police disclosed that the arrest took place during a protest held outside India House on Monday. The detainee, believed to be a British Sikh, is connected to a demonstration that transpired on March 19 and has been released on bail, pending further investigations.

Monday's protest was organized to call for the intervention of the UK government concerning Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of wanted terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar—a claim strongly refuted by India as "absurd and motivated."

The Met Police issued a statement, saying, "On Monday, October 2, a man was arrested outside the Indian High Commission on suspicion of violent disorder in relation to a protest at the same venue on 19 March. The man was taken into custody and has been bailed pending further enquiries."

While the individual's identity can only be disclosed once charges are filed, it is suspected that he is among the more than a dozen individuals identified by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) as having played a role in the attack on the High Commission of India on March 19. During the attack, pro-Khalistan extremists scaled the building and attempted to lower the Indian national flag. The incident resulted in injuries to at least one official, with objects being hurled at the building, and windows shattered.

At that time, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the highest-ranking UK diplomat in New Delhi to convey India's "strong protest" against the actions of separatist and extremist elements targeting the High Commission of India in London. In June, the NIA released photographs of suspects believed to have been involved in the violent protest.

This recent arrest comes as Police Scotland disclosed that no criminal activity was identified in connection with the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, being obstructed by pro-Khalistan extremists at a gurdwara in Glasgow last week.

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