A case has been registered against a man named Gurpakhwant Singh Pannu in Shimla based on a recorded audio clip received by many journalists and citizens of the state, the Himachal Pradesh police said on Saturday.’

In recorded telephonic calls to journalists on Friday, the caller identified himself as Pannu had said, “We will not allow Jai Ram Thakur to hoist the Indian tricolour. Himachal Pradesh was part of Punjab and we are seeking a referendum in Punjab. Once we liberate Punjab, we will make sure that we take over areas of Himachal Pradesh which were parts of Punjab.”

The preliminary investigation revealed that Pannu is associated with a pro-Khalistani outfit named ‘Sikhs for Justice’ (SFJ), the police said. “Threat received through alleged audio clip is under investigation to mitigate any terrorist activity by pro-Khalistani outfits,” it added. 

DGP Himachal Pradesh Sanjay Kundu said the security of all important dignitaries tightened including that of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur, BJP national president JP Nadda, Union Minister Anurag Thakur and Governor Rajendra Arlekar.

The DGP has also alerted and spoken to the Director Generals of Police of Haryana and Punjab.

Himachal CM assures action

Meanwhile, CM Jairam Thakur called the incident unfortunate and assured that action will be taken if something suspicious is found during the probe.

“We’ll see this minutely. If something is found, action will be taken. I’ve not spoken to any agency yet. I’ll see this, an agency will definitely examine this. It’s unfortunate,” said the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister.

Responding to the threat calls, the state police informed in a tweet: “We are in receipt of a pre-recorded message from pro-Khalistani elements from overseas sent to some journalists.

“Himachal Pradesh police are fully capable of securing the state and preventing anti-national elements from thwarting peace and security in the state in co-operation with the central security and intelligence agencies.”