Attack on Indian consulate in US could be linked to March vandalism: Probe agency
The Indian consulate in San Francisco was set on fire in an alleged attack by Khalistan supporters on July 2. The National Investigation Agency said that there is a possibility the attacks on the Indian consulate in San Franciso in March and July could be linked.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday said that there may be a connection between the attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco in March and the recent attack on it on Sunday (July 2).
Officials suspect that the people involved in the previous attack may also have played a role in the recent one.
Following the recent attack, Indian establishments in Canada, the United Kingdom, and specifically San Francisco have been asked to remain cautious regarding Khalistani protests.
The probe agency was already investigating the March attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco. It may now also take over the probe into the recent attack.
The NIA may soon dispatch a team to the United States to further investigate the attack on the consulate, according to sources.
INDIAN CONSULATE SET ON FIRE
On Sunday (July 2), the Indian Consulate in San Francisco was set on fire in an attack allegedly carried out by Khalistani supporters. Videos showing the act of arson at the Indian Consulate had also emerged online and were shared by local news channels.
The video was released by Khalistan supporters, according to news agency PTI.
The video, with the words 'violence begets violence' emblazoned over it, also showed news articles related to the death of Canada-based Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Reacting to the incident, Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the US State Department, said the US "strongly condemns" the vandalism and attempted arson. "Vandalism or violence against diplomatic facilities or foreign diplomats in the US is a criminal offence,” he added.
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VANDALISM OF INDIAN EMBASSY IN MARCH
In March, Khalistani supporters vandalised the Indian consulate in San Francisco after the Punjab Police launched a nationwide search for Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh in India.
Videos had surfaced of a huge crowd attacking the Indian consulate as Punjabi music blared in the background. A huge piece of graffiti that read 'Free Amritpal' was spray-painted on the outer wall of the San Francisco building.
Protesters shouting pro-Khalistan slogans broke through security barriers to install two Khalistani banners on the consulate premises. They also smashed the door and windows with iron rods.