NIA may probe Khalistani terrorist threat during DGP-IGP Conference in Bhubaneswar 

In a major development, National Investigation Agency (NIA) may take up a probe into the alleged threat issued by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun to disrupt the All India DGP-IGP Conference 2024 which recently concluded in Bhubaneswar.

The Khalistani terrorist had reportedly sent threatening e-mails and audio messages to several journalists in Odisha when the high-level conference was underway in Bhubaneswar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National Security Advisory Ajit Doval had attended the DGP-IGP Conference.

Also Read: ‘Target Bhubaneswar airport, DGP-IGP conference’: Khalistani terrorist Pannun issues threat

Following the threat, high alert was sounded in Bhubaneswar and Crime Branch’s cyber cell had carried out a probe by visiting the office of a journalist to whom the threat message was sent.

Sources said that efforts are on by law enforcement agencies to ascertain the IP address and other aspects to trace the source of the e-mail and other important links.

As it was suspected that there could be some sleeper cell of the Khalistani terrorist in Odisha as the threat messages and caption were written in Odia and English.

A detailed investigation is also being carried out to ascertain the person in the state who might have prepared the text in Odia or whether Artificial Intelligence was used. 

Also Read: Khalistani sleeper cell in Odisha? Terrorist Pannun’s threat message to disrupt DGP-IGP conference sparks speculations 

While attending the Conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern on the potential threats generated on account of digital frauds, cyber-crimes and AI technology, particularly the potential of deep fake to disrupt social and familial relations.

As a countermeasure, PM Modi called upon the police leadership to convert the challenge into an opportunity by harnessing India’s double AI power of Artificial Intelligence and ‘Aspirational India’.

During the Conference, in-depth discussions were held on existing and emerging challenges to national security, including counter-terrorism, left-wing extremism, cyber-crime, economic security, immigration, coastal security and narco-trafficking. 
Deliberations were also held on emerging security concerns along the border with Bangladesh and Myanmar, trends in urban policing and strategies for countering malicious narratives.