Dharamshala: Himachal Pradesh police have taken two suspects into custody in connection with a graffiti incident outside the HPCA cricket stadium, just days before the highly anticipated World Cup cricket match set to begin on October 5.
On the night of October 3, 2023, authorities discovered graffiti near the IPH Circle Office in Dharamshala.
The graffiti featured the slogan "Khalistan Zindabad," written in black paint. In response to this act of defacement, a case has been registered under FIR No 230/23 dated 04-10-2023, invoking the Himachal Pradesh Open Place (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act-1985 and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act 1984 at the Dharamshala Police Station in District Kangra.
After reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity, law enforcement identified two suspects. It was observed that these individuals not only sprayed the slogan but also took photographs of their handiwork.
Police authorities are currently conducting cell phone analysis to gather further evidence.
According to the police, in addition to this incident, a video circulating on social media contains a voice message reportedly from SFJ General Counsel Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, claiming intentions to target the final match of the ongoing One Day International World Cup-2023.
The video also makes reference to "Himachal Pradesh Banega Khalistan" and suggests that pro Khalistan graffiti and flags in Dharamshala are in response to the killing of "Nijjer" in Canada.
In response to these developments, a joint intelligence sharing meeting was held on October 3, 2023, in Dharamshala, with the participation of officers from Military Intelligence, IB, and CID units.
HP DGP said objective of the meeting was to enhance coordination and swift intelligence sharing during the upcoming World Cup matches.
Given the current incident and the potential security threat, five additional patrolling teams and local intelligence units have been activated in Dharamshala and Mcleodganj areas. Vigilance and surveillance efforts will be intensified throughout the district.
HP police said the authorities are committed to bringing the culprits to justice and thoroughly investigating the case as the cricket world eagerly anticipates the World Cup match.
