New Delhi, August 8: Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has accorded sanction for the prosecution of two persons accused of drawing anti-national slogans like "Khalistan Zindabad" allegedly at the behest of banned outfit -- Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) -- early this year, Raj Niwas officials said on Tuesday.

Accused Vikram Singh and Balram Singh were arrested by Delhi Police for drawing multiple pro-Khalistani graffiti in areas of Vikaspuri, Janakpuri, Pachim Vihar, Peeragarhi, Meera Bagh and other adjoining parts of Western Delhi on January 19, they said. Delhi Services Bill Passed by Parliament: After Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha Passes National Capital Territory of Delhi Amendment Bill.

During investigation, the accused disclosed that they indulged in such activities on the instruction of fugitive secessionist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the founder of the SFJ, the officials said. The Lieutenant Governor has granted the sanction for prosecution under Section 196 (1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, they said.

The case was registered by the Special Cell of Delhi Police for the commission of offence under section 153B and 120B (punishment of criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code. Section 153B of IPC deals with imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integrity and social and religious harmony.

The officials said during investigations, the Delhi Police seized USB pen drives containing CCTV footage, proof of payments and location of mobile phones of the accused in the area where graffiti were drawn. Delhi Services Bill Passed in Rajya Sabha: Black Day in History of India's Democracy, Says CM Arvind Kejriwal (Watch Video).

Investigations also was revealed that a video was circulated on social media platforms wherein Pannu was advocating and encouraging secession through such graffiti and conspiring to disrupt the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India, they said.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)