Separatist slogans scrubbed from Amritsar's Bhandari Bridge wall, police investigate

Police in Punjab responded to reports that pro‑Khalistan slogans, including references to Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, had been scrawled on the wall of the heavily trafficked Bhandari Bridge in Amritsar. Officers arrived at the site, documented the graffiti and used black ink to erase the messages, ensuring the bridge’s appearance was restored for commuters. The removal was carried out under the supervision of senior officials from the city police department.
The slogans, which called for separatist sentiments, were quickly identified as a violation of the Indian Penal Code provisions that prohibit hate speech and incitement of secessionist ideas. Local authorities have opened a case to trace the individuals responsible for the act, and a forensic team has been deployed to collect any remaining evidence, including paint samples and CCTV footage from nearby cameras.
Police spokesperson said the investigation will focus on identifying the perpetrators and determining whether the act was part of a larger coordinated campaign. Those found guilty could face charges ranging from vandalism to sedition, depending on the evidence gathered. The incident underscores heightened vigilance by law‑enforcement agencies against attempts to spread separatist propaganda in public spaces.