3 arrested for painting graffiti ahead of BRICS Summit
What's the story
The Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested three people, including the alleged mastermind, for painting graffiti at the Singhu Border ahead of the BRICS Summit. The accused are said to have painted offensive slogans on September 6 on behalf of the banned organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and its chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Pannun had taken responsibility for the act in a post on X, The Economic Times reported, citing sources.
Investigation details
Accused in touch with foreign handler
The alleged mastermind was reportedly in touch with a foreign handler and was receiving funds from abroad to run SFJ's operations in India.
An FIR was registered by the Special Cell, and an investigation was launched.
CCTV footage from the Singhu Border helped police get clues about the accused, leading to their arrest.
Evidence secured
Vehicle used to carry out graffiti recovered
The police have also recovered the vehicle allegedly used by the accused to carry out the graffiti. Further investigations are underway to uncover more details about this case.
The arrests come as tight security arrangements are in place at Bharat Mandapam for the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12-13 held under India's chairship.
Security measures
Delhi Police deploys 15,000 personnel for security arrangements
The Delhi Police has deployed around 15,000 personnel and nearly 200 companies of paramilitary forces for security arrangements at the BRICS Summit.
Special Commissioner of Police (Security) Manish Agarwal said, "The MHA has provided us with approximately 200 CAPF companies, which are being deployed for law and order duties and other operational tasks."
The summit's theme is "Building Resilience for Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainable Development."
Summit details
BRICS bloc and its members
India is a founding member of BRICS and has chaired the grouping in 2012, 2016, and 2021.
The bloc has become an important platform for major emerging economies to coordinate their efforts and promote the interests of the Global South in multilateral institutions.
The agenda includes development, finance, technology, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.
Currently, BRICS comprises Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the UAE.