PremiumAmritpal Singh updates: It has been four days since the police began the search operation against the radical leader. According to CCTV visuals, Amritpal Singh was seen escaping in an SUV in Jalandhar on March 18. He is still on the run.
Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh, who heads the Waris Punjab De, is on the run since the Punjab police launched a massive manhunt for the outfit's members. Singh was on the radar of the Punjab police after he and his armed followers stormed a police station in Ajnala last month to release one of his aides. According to preliminary probe he visited a Gurdwara in Jalandhar district while on the run and escaped on a motorcycle after changing clothes.
On Saturday, the Punjab government launched a major crackdown against Waris Punjab De chief. The cops have arrested 154 members of an outfit headed by him. The police action came a day ahead of the start of Amritpal Singh's 'Khalsa Wahir' - a religious procession - which was to start from Muktsar district.
Security has been tightened at many places in Punjab with intensive vehicle checking.
Here are all the latest updates on Amritpal Singh's search operation.
As per Uttarakhand DGP, An alert has been issued in Dehradun, Haridwar& Udhamsinghnagar districts of the state as a precaution in view of the possibility of 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh entering the state. Intensive checking being done on the borders of all 3 dists and in other areas.
Pro-Khalistan supporters and associates of Amritpal Singh were shifted out of Punjab after Central Intelligence agencies raised concerns over possible jailbreak and repeat of the Ajnala incident.
Thousands of Amritpal's supporters had entered the Ajnala police station in Amritsar on February 23 this year to free a member, who had been arrested in an abduction case.
A source in Intelligence agencies has confirmed that after they had a meeting with state police officers and shared their intelligence report on arrested 'Waris Punjab De' (WPD) associates under the National Security Act (NSA) and recommended shifting them out of Punjab. Associates of Amritpal Singh have been shifted to the Dibrugarh jail in Assam due to security reasons.
Punjab's Inspector General of Police (IGP), Headquarters, Sukhchain Singh Gill on Thursday said that a total of 207 persons have been arrested for disturbing peace and harmony in the state, of which, 30 have been found in substantive criminal activities, while, remaining are under preventive arrest.
"Police teams are doing thorough screening of all the arrested persons and soon they will be released from police custody," he said.
The IGP said that this operation was carried out on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann with an aim to save the innocent youth of Punjab from playing into the hands of Anti-National Forces.
Punjab Police Thursday flagged a cross-border link and involvement of radical preacher Amritpal Singh in "anti-national" activities as it sounded an alert about the fugitive Khalistan preacher in all the states. As it happened, a part of a CCTV footage surfaced on Thursday showing Amritpal wearing a shirt and trousers while holding an umbrella in Haryana's Shahabad to hide from police.
In another development, Haryana Police nabbed a woman for allegedly harbouring Amritpal Singh and his associate Papalpreet Singh at her home in the state's Kurukshetra district.
Four persons were arrested on Thursday, a day after a rally was taken out in Chhattisgarh’s capital Raipur by a group of people allegedly in support of wanted pro-Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh, an official said.
Based on the examination of CCTV footage and video clips of the statements given by people involved in the rally, a first information report (FIR) was registered at Civil Lines police station, Raipur Senior Superintendent of Police Prasant Agrawal told PTI.
Four Raipur residents, identified as Diler Singh Randhawa (46), Manindarjeet Singh alias Mintu Sandhu (40), Harinder Singh Khalsa (44) and Harpreet Singh Randhawa alias Chintu (42), were arrested for allegedly taking out a foot march in support of Amritpal Singh, he said.
CCTV footage from near the house in Kurukshetra shows an individual walking under an umbrella - identified by officials as Amritpal Singh. Click here to read
Punjab Police's apparent miscalculation allowed radical preacher Amritpal Singh to avoid imminent arrest resulting in a chase that is still on since he escaped on March 18.
The police were ready with their arrangements at only one place and did not capture him in his village, they said. This was a major miscalculation on the part of the state police, the officials said while piecing together the turn of events since February 23.
In a major breakthrough in the ongoing manhunt for fugitive pro-Khalistan leader and radical preacher Amritpal Singh, Punjab's Inspector General of Police (IGP), Headquarters, Sukhchain Singh Gill, on Thursday revealed that the Waris Punjab De chief's last location was in Haryana.
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh on Thursday, the IGP said, "We are still actively searching for Amritpal Singh and have come to know that its last location was in Haryana. We have taken a woman named Baljeet Kaur into custody. Amritpal stayed at this woman's house in Kurukshetra (Haryana) and the Waris Punjab De chief and his close aide had been in touch with her for the last two-and-a-half years."
A woman has been nabbed for harbouring radical preacher Amritpal Singh in Haryana's Shahabad, police said on Thursday.
Mobile and internet services will remain suspended in Punjab's Tarn Taran and Ferozepur districts till Friday noon, according to officials.
Amid heavy security, seven associates of 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh brought to Amritsar's Baba Bakala Court.
They were earlier sent to police custody till March 23.
According to the police, fugitive Amritpal and his aides hid in a gurudwara and overpowered a Granthi and forced him into giving them his clothes.
"They spent about 40-45 minutes there. They called for bikes and escaped," he added.
Police said, during the investigation, it was found that they had called a man called Gaurav Gora for the motorcycles.
"The motorcycle was registered in the name of his father," SSP Jalandhar Rural, Swarandeep Singh said.
According to a preliminary probe, police said he visited a Gurdwara in Jalandhar district while on the run and escaped on a motorcycle after changing clothes.
According to CCTV visuals, Amritpal Singh was seen escaping in an SUV in Jalandhar on March 18. He is still on the run.
Maharashtra Police issued an alert over Amritpal Singh in some districts including Nanded. Police said the movement of everyone arriving at and leaving Nanded is being monitored. Maharashtra Anti-Terror Squad is also on alert, said the state police.
Protesters waving Khalistan flags gathered outside the Indian Consulate in San Francisco on Wednesday amid heightened security presence. The protesters were heavily barricaded across the road with uniformed police officers present on the spot.
Anti-India protests by Khalistanis behind Police barricade. Metropolitan Police on guard at Indian High Commission.
A rally was taken out in Chhattisgarh's capital Raipur on Wednesday by a group of people in support of pro-Khalistan activist Amritpal Singh, leading the police to serve a notice to the organisers of the event which had no prior permission from authorities. The rally started from Telibandha and comprised a small group of people visibly belonging to the Sikh community, culminated in front of the AAP office located in nearby Panchsheel Nagar. The demonstrators also burnt an effigy of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said that ever since the new government has been formed in Punjab, the situation has been continuously deteriorating.
"Punjab was peaceful for years but since the new government has been formed, the condition is continuously deteriorating. The way incidents have happened is very unfortunate because it is a border state, and this type of incident cannot be ignored," Baghel said.
A fresh FIR has been filed against Amritpal Singh for extortion and rioting following a complaint by the 'granthi' of a gurdwara in Jalandhar where the pro-Khalistan preacher changed his clothes and fled on a bike to escape the police crackdown on his outfit.
Police said the fugitive spent around 45 minutes at a gurdwara in Nangal Ambian village.
Ranjit Singh, the granthi (Sikh priest), said in his complaint with police that the Waris Punjab De chief and his three aides entered the gurdwara and demanded clothes of his son at gunpoint to change his appearance.
"When Police chased them, they escaped to a Gurudwara &overpowered a Granthi into giving clothes. They spent 40-45 min there. They called for bikes&escaped," SSP Jalandhar Rural, Swarandeep Singh on what transpired at Nangal Ambian Gurudwara where Amritpal Singh fled to with aides.
Punjab Police has booked 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh and his four accomplices for extortion and rioting at Shahkot police station.
“We got to know today morning when the police came that Amritpal along with his associates was here in the village on March 18. He changed clothes at local gurudwara, had food&then went away on motorcycle. Babaji who's being questioned by police now had admitted that Amritpal came here", the eyewitness told news agency ANI.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Tuesday praised the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab as well as the Centre for investigation against punjab-de" Waris Punjab De leader Amritpal Singh.
The Punjab Police on Tuesday released 7 photos of the fugitive radical leader and said he might have changed his appearance.
National Investigation Agency (NIA) yesterday filed its first Chargesheet against 12 accused, found to have links with pro-Khalistani outfits and Pak-based conspirators, in one of the three terror-gangster nexus cases it is investigating.
In recent days, small groups of Singh’s supporters vandalized the Indian High Commission in London, pulling down the national flag and briefly flying the orange and blue flags of the Khalistan movement. A similar incident took place at the Indian consulate in San Francisco.
Ministry of External Affairs has formally complained to the US and UK of inadequate security for its embassies. India’s federal government has said it’s maintaining a close watch on the activities of various activist groups at home and aboard.
The bike on which 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh fled has been recovered by police, Jalandhar SSP Swarnadeep Singh said on Wednesday.
Punjab Police on Wednesday reached the residence of ‘Waris Punjab De’ chief Amritpal Singh's in Jallupur Khera village, Amritsar.
Bathinda's ADGP told media that the police arrested 70 people and sent them to jail. He added, “We are on alert. The situation is peaceful. Flag march being done to instil confidence among people. People have supported us a lot and hope they will continue to cooperate with us," Surinder Pal Singh Parmar said.
Punjab's Leader of Opposition Pratap Singh Bajwa alleged there is a conspirancy that is why Amritpal Singh escaped. “He (Amritpal Singh) could have been arrested from his village in Amritsar but the operation was done in Jalandhar area in view of the Jalandhar by-elections. All this happened under a strategy...We came here to demand his (CM Mann's) resignation," he said.
Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Brar has raised questions over Amritpal Singh's escape. He said, "How Amritpal escaped in the presence of police officials? It means Amritpal was aware of the plan. I doubt the intention of both the Punjab and Central government. There is some conspiracy behind it. Action should be taken against those involved in anti-national activities and talk about Khalistan but action shouldn't be taken against innocent youth of Punjab".
Punjab police have arrested 154 people for disturbing 'peace and harmony' in the state. A lookout circular (LOC) and non-bailable warrant (NBW) have been issued against Amritpal Singh, who remains a fugitive and efforts are being made to arrest him.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court took the Punjab Government to task over its inability to arrest Amritpal despite having 80,000-strong police force and five-six FIRs having been registered in the matter, according to tribune report
Punjab Police issued a lookout circular (LOC) and non-bailable warrant (NBW) against 'Waris Punjab De' chief.
Besides, the Punjab police have also released his photos in order to arrest him swiftly.
"There are several pictures of Amritpal Singh in different attires. We are releasing all of these pictures. I request you display them so that people can help us to arrest him in this case," Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sukhchain Singh Gill said yesterday.
The Uttarakhand Police conducted a combing operation at gurdwaras, hotels and in areas on the Indo-Nepal border in Udham Singh Nagar district in search of Amritpal Singh. Intelligence agencies are also monitoring the situation. A close vigil is being kept on the India-Nepal border so that he does not escape to Nepal.
Punjab Police has launched a manhunt against pro-Khalistani self-styled preacher Amritpal Singh and have also asked people's help to arrest him. He was successful in giving police a slip on Saturday, by switching from the Brezza car to a motorbike.
The CCTV footage of the incident is also released now where Amritpal Singh can be seen switching his vehicles and fleeing with a person on a motorbike.
For more click here
Radical preacher Amritpal Singh changed clothes, switched from car to motorcycle to escape arrest: Punjab Police.
The Punjab Police on Tuesday released pictures of radical preacher Amritpal Singh. "There are several pictures of Amritpal Singh in different attires. We are releasing all of these pictures. I request you display them so that people can help us to arrest him in this case," says Punjab IGP Sukhchain Singh Gill said.
Singh who is still at large, has given the Punjab Police the slip for the fourth Day in a row. While several other supporters of Amritpal has been arrested and taken to Assam's Dibrugarh jail, Singh has allegedly fled in a Mercedes SUV that was also allegedly gifted to him by drug dealers.
Punjab police on Tuesday shut down a drug de-addiction centre run by 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh in the State's Amritsar district.
The facilty was operating in Jallupur Khera in Amritsar.
Gurmukh Singh, the caretaker of the centre said, "Police arrived here and conducted a search. They asked us to shut down the centre. Seventy people who had arrived to receive treatment were sent back."
The caretaker claimed that the police had found nothing at the centre and that only de-addiction treatments were given at the facility.
Three more associates of radical preacher Amritpal Singh, including his uncle Harjit Singh, have been brought to the high-security Dibrugarh jail on Tuesday, an Assam Police official said.
Altogether seven members linked to Amritpal Singh’s 'Waris Punjab De' (WPD) have been brought here since March 19, including Harjit Singh who was brought in the early hours of Tuesday.
Punjab government on Tuesday informed Punjab and Haryana High Court that the strict National Security Act has been imposed on radical preacher Amritpal Singh.
In a hearing related to the habeas corpus petition, which requested the preacher's appearance in court, Justice N S Shekhawat reprimanded the state government for Amritpal Singh evading the police on Saturday and referred to it as an intelligence failure.
AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said Punjab Government is not afraid to take stringent measures to curb criminals activities in the state.
“When we came to power in Punjab, people said they (AAP) can work in the fields of education, health and power, but handling law and order situation will be tough. The system we inherited from previous governments showed that criminals and gangsters were provided political protection. But our government is an honest one. We are taking strict action against such elements," Kejriwal said.
Two more associates of 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh brought to Dibrugarh. They will be shifted to Central Jail, Dibrugarh, news agency ANI reported
Punjab and Haryana high court on Tuesday rapped Punjab government over preacher Amritpal Singh giving police a slip. According to news agency PTI, the high court has called it a intelligence failure
International Borders with Nepal, Pakistan among others have been put on alert after the Centre circulated a message to the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) considering the possibility that Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh might escape country.
The MHA has asked the chiefs of both the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) to direct their forces deputed on the International Borders to be on alert amid the ongoing hunt against the Khalistani radical Amritpal Singh whose hunt entered the fourth day on Tuesday, said top government sources.
In last few days, some elements were talking to spoil the environment of Punjab with the help of foreign powers & were giving hateful speeches. Action has been taken against them and they have been arrested and strict punishment will be given to them: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann on action taken against Amritpal Singh & his associates
The mobile internet services will be operational in many cities of Punjab after 12 noon on Tuesday, the Punjab government informed. "It is made clear that mobile internet services in all the remaining areas of the State (except Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Moga, Sangrur, Subdivision Ajnala, YPS Nagar of Mohali and areas adjacent to Airport Road) should start functioning normally from 12.00 noon today i.e., 21.03.2023", the department of Home Affairs and Justice, Government of Punjab informed in a statement on Tuesday. The notification also added that the Broadband Services have not been suspended so that online Banking facilities, hospital services and other essential services are not disrupted.
Baljit Singh Ex-President, Haryana SGPC has spoken on recent violence in US and UK. In a video message, he said that no such steps should be taken that will affect Sikh community across the world.
All mobile internet services, all SMS services (except banking & mobile recharge) & all dongle services provided on mobile networks, except the voice call, shall continue to remain suspended in the districts Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Moga, Sangrur, Sub-Division Ainala in Amritsar, areas adjoining YPS chowk and Airport Road both in SAS Nagar, till March 23 (12:00 hours) in the interest of public safety: Punjab Govt
Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh's uncle Harjeet Singh was brought to Central Jail in Dibrugarh on Tuesday.
According to sources, Harjeet Singh, uncle to Amritpal Singh was brought from Punjab to the military airport in Jorhat, from where he was brought to the Dibrugarh Jail under security by road.
Along with Harjeet Singh, many other Khalistan supporters have been brought to Dibrugarh jail, the sources said.
Earlier, four pro-Khalistani members were flown to Dibrugarh on Sunday and lodged in Central Jail, Dibrugarh.
UK MP Bob Blackman said, “This is a very small, ultra-small section of the Sikh community. The vast majority of Sikhs in this country absolutely reject the Khalistani project... It's not going to happen as we know...My message is very simple to the police, when this happens, those people need to be arrested & dealt with properly."
Indian Americans on Monday expressed outrage at the incidents of vandalism and defacing of the Indian Consulate in San Francisco and urged the city police and law-enforcement officials to take immediate and necessary actions against those responsible.
"We call on the San Francisco Police Department to take immediate action against those responsible for the recent vandalism at the consulate and provide safety and security to all working there and visiting the embassy for their needs," community leader Ajay Jain Bhutoria said a day after the Sikh separatists vandalised the Indian consulate in San Francisco.
One of the consulate employees sustained minor injuries.
"We want to take action against whoever did that violent act in San Francisco, because this country allows us to do peaceful protests and we want to keep it that way. Whenever there are some issues, we have the right to demonstrate peacefully. But we would like the authorities to take strict action against people who committed violence in San Francisco at the Indian Consulate," Jassee Singh from the Sikhs of America said.
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby has said vandalism at Indian Consulate in San Francisco is "absolutely unacceptable" and is condemned by the US. "We certainly condemn that vandalism, it's absolutely unacceptable. State Department's diplomatic security service is working with local authorities to properly investigate. State department will work on infrastructure perspective to repair the damage," Kirby said.
Meanwhile, a US State Department spokesperson told ANI: "The United States condemns the attack against the Indian Consulate and any attack against diplomatic facilities within the United States. We pledge to defend the safety and security of these facilities as well as the diplomats who work within them."
High Commissioner of India to the UK Vikram Doraiswami and Deputy High Commissioner Sujit Ghosh held a meeting with concerned Indian community leaders at India House regarding the attack on the High Commission on Sunday: HCI, London
Pakistani intelligence agency ISI, which has been the brain behind growth of radical preacher Amritpal Singh, has now instigated overseas Khalistan supporters to organise protests and demonstrations abroad including London, San Francisco and Canberra in his support, officials said on Monday.
They said the overseas protests were the desperate attempt by the ISI to build followership of Amritpal who has been hiding from the Punjab Police for the last three days.
While pro-Khalistan supporters vandalised the Indian High Commission in London and the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, there were sporadic protests in Australia.
All theses acts by the pro-Khalistan elements were orchestrated by ISI agents operating in different countries, the officials said.
More Pro Khalistan Twitter accounts blocked in India, these include some Canadian government officials.
Security was beefed up around the Indian High Commission here on Monday and Scotland Yard detained one person in connection with vandalism at the mission by Khalistan supporters a day earlier as India asked the UK to quickly arrest and prosecute those involved in the attack.
The tricolour flying atop the Indian High Commission in London was grabbed at by the protesters waving separatist Khalistan flags and chanting pro-Khalistan slogans on Sunday.
After the incident, police arrested one person related to the violent disorder.
Pro-Khalistan supporter and radical preacher Amritpal Singh, who is on the run following a massive crackdown on his outfit 'Waris Punjab De', has allegedly been maintaining close links with drug peddlers and Pakistan's ISI to further his goal for a separate country for the Sikhs, officials said.
While drug lords were allegedly helping the pro-Khalistan preacher financially, including gifting him a high-end Mercedes SUV, the ISI was helping him with arms, ammunition and other logistics, they said.
Several people from the Sikh community stage protests at the British High Commission in Delhi's Chanakyapuri against the pulling down of the Indian flag by pro-Khalistani groups at the Indian High Commission in London earlier.
Khalistan supporters attacked the Indian Consulate in San Francisco on Sunday. The development came mere hours after vandalism at the Indian High Commission in London sparked outrage. Visuals shared online showed a huge mob brandishing Khalistan flags mounted on wooden poles, using it to smash glass doors and windows of the consulate building. Read more
Punjab Police suspect ISI angle, foreign funding in Amritpal Singh case; efforts on to nab radical preacher: Official.
Assam Inspector General of Police (Law and order) Prashanta Kumar Bhuyan arrived in Dibrugarh on Monday to hold a high-level meeting on security issues after four arrested members of an outfit headed by radical preacher Amritpal Singh were lodged in a Dibrugarh jail, officials said.
The four accused who were arrested in Punjab were brought to the northeastern state by Punjab Police on March 19 and lodged in Dibrugarh Central Jail. Security has been intensified in and around the jail leading to speculations that a very "important member" of the outfit is among the arrested.
While speaking to ANI, Punjab Minister Balbir Singh, “If Amritpal Singh will be arrested then he (DGP) will inform you. There are some evil forces but the police is doing good work. I appeal to people of Punjab to maintain peace and brotherhood"
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said, “It's utterly shocking that this was allowed to happen. The real problem is not inside the High Commission but on the premises outside which is the responsibility of the local authorities, in this case the British Authorities, to protect. If the British Police are completely derelict in their duty & they allow this nonsense to happen, this is a major insult that we can't tolerate"
The hunt for the radical preacher entered the third day today as the state police tightened the security blanket to nab him at the earliest.
- Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh's uncle and driver have surrendered before the Jalandhar police.
The Punjab government extended the suspension of mobile internet and SMS services till Tuesday noon.
AAP's Saurabh Bharadwaj says with AAP govt's action in Punjab, a strong message has been sent from it. AAP Govt has zero tolerance policy on law and order. Those who used to say that AAP will not be able to control the border state, they are silent.
All mobile internet services, all SMS services (except banking & mobile recharge) & all dongle services provided on mobile networks, except the voice call, in the territorial jurisdiction of Punjab suspended till March 21 (12:00 hours) in the interest of public safety: Dept of Home Affairs & Justice, Govt of Punjab
Amritpal Singh Sandhu, who was born on 17 January 1993 and is the second leader of the Punjabi-centric social organisation, Waris Panjab De. 'Waris Punjab De', an organisation founded by actor and activist Deep Sidhu who died in a road accident in February last year.
Security agencies had raised a red flag after intelligence inputs suggested that pro-Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh was using drug de-addiction centres and a gurdwara for stockpiling weapons and preparing youths to carry out suicide attacks, officials told PTI. A thick dossier prepared with inputs from various security agencies claimed that Singh, who returned from Dubai last year allegedly at the behest of Pakistan's ISI and Khalistan sympathisers residing overseas, was mainly engaged in brainwashing youths to become "khadkoos" or human bombs.
The self-styled radical preacher has been on the run since the Punjab Police launched a massive crackdown on Saturday and arrested 78 members of the 'Waris Punjab De', headed by him.
According to experts and officials monitoring the situation in Punjab, Pakistan, which is going through its worst economic phase and lost all the wars fought against India, is trying its best to divert attention of its people by planting stooges like Amritpal Singh inside India.
The UK government will take the security of the Indian High Commission "seriously", top British officials have said as they condemned as "disgraceful" and "completely unacceptable" the vandalism at the mission by a group of protesters waving separatist Khalistani flags.
The tricolour flying atop the Indian High Commission was grabbed at by the protesters chanting pro-Khalistani slogans on Sunday, leading to an arrest related to the violent disorder. (PTI)
'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh's uncle and driver surrendered before the Punjab police last night, says SSP Jalandhar Rural, Swarndeep Singh
Canada's New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh raised concerns over the Punjab police's massive crackdown in the state to arrest Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh. In a tweet, he wrote, “I am deeply concerned by reports that India has suspended civil liberties and imposed an internet blackout throughout the state of Punjab. These draconian measures are unsettling for many given their historical use to execute extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances during the 1984 Sikh Genocide. I am calling on Justin Trudeau and the Liberal government to immediately contact their Indian counterparts to express concern regarding the suspension of civil liberties and the safety of Canadians abroad."
Fugitive pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh has been arrested by the Punjab Police at Shahkot police station, Imaan Singh Khara, the legal advisor to Waris Punjab De claimed on Sunday. Despite Punjab Police's statement that Amritpal Singh is still on the run and efforts are on to nab him, Advocate Imaan Singh Khara claimed that the Khalistan sympathiser has been arrested at Shahkot Police Station.
The Advocate also alleged that the police wants to kill Singh in a "fake encounter". Citing a threat to the life of Amritpal Singh, Advocate Khara has approached Punjab and Haryana High Court and filed a writ petition. (ANI)
The tricolour flying atop the Indian High Commission in London was pulled down by a group of protesters waving separatist Khalistani flags and chanting pro-Khalistani slogans. Scotland Yard said it was "aware" of an incident in the area but is yet to issue an official statement.
India has, meanwhile, registered its strong protest with the British government over the safety of its diplomatic mission and questioned the lack of sufficient security at the premises.
Images of shattered windows and men climbing the India House building were circulating on social media and videos from the scene show an Indian official grabbing the flag from a protester through the first-floor window of the mission, while the protester is seen waving a Khalistan flag hanging off its ledge.
The senior-most UK diplomat in New Delhi was summoned on Sunday night after the Indian High Commission in the United Kingdom was vandalised. The senior-most UK diplomat in New Delhi was summoned late evening today to convey India's strong protest at the actions taken by separatist and extremist elements against the Indian High Commission in London earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release on Sunday. An explanation was demanded for the complete absence of British security that allowed these elements to enter the High Commission premises. She was reminded in this regard of the basic obligations of the UK Government under the Vienna Convention. "India finds unacceptable the indifference of the UK Government to the security of Indian diplomatic premises and personnel in the UK," the MEA press release said.
Police on Sunday conducted flag marches and searches across Punjab in their manhunt for radical preacher Amritpal Singh, arresting 34 more supporters and shifting four men in custody to a jail in far-off Assam.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has, however, asked the state government to respond on Tuesday to a habeas corpus petition, that claiming that the preacher is already in illegal police custody and should be released.
Amid the hunt for Khalistani sympathiser and Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh has gain momentum in Punjab, DIG Swapan Sharma on 19 March said Amritpal changed his routes several times during the chase and reached a one-lane link road of 12 to 13km. Click here to read more
Four members of radical preacher Amritpal Singh's outfit were brought to Assam from Punjab on Sunday, police said. They were among the 78 people arrested on Saturday in the Punjab government's major crackdown against 'Waris Punjab De' (WPD), headed by Amritpal, who is wanted in several criminal cases.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is at present in New Delhi, told reporters that his state will provide necessary security to the accused in the jail.
Despite imposition of Section 144 in several districts of Punjab, officials of the Ludhiana Rural Police on Sunday detained 15 persons, accused of agitating in support of the 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh, who is on the run.
"A total of 15 persons have been detained from Boparai Kalan village for violating Section 144. All the people attempted to stage a protest in support of Amritpal Singh," Inspector General (IG), Ludhiana Range, Kastubh Sharma said.
Punjab police conducted flag marches at various places to maintain law and order and build public confidence.
"Till now, 10 people arrested and 7 illegal weapons and more than 300 bullets seized. Three cars used by them have been recovered. Cordon and search operation underway," Jalandhar DIG Swapan Sharma on an operation to nab Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh.
“There is no law and order situation right now and nothing to worry about in Jalandhar. Flag marches are being conducted to assure people of this. We have seized the vehicle of Amritpal Singh's convoy. Probe underway and ISI connection angle also being probed," Swarndeep Singh, SSP Jalandhar Rural told news agency ANI.
Punjab police on Sunday noted that Amritpal Singh is still absconding and has not yet been arrested.
Police further noted, "Don't believe the rumours and false news."
Amritpal Singh is linked to Lakhbir Singh Rode, the leader of the International Sikh Youth Federation who is wanted in India for smuggling arms and explosives, planning attacks on government leaders in New Delhi, and inciting hatred in Punjab, news agency PTI reported.
Police conducted a flag march in Mohali, Punjab. As per news agency ANI, “Flag marches are being conducted to give a sense of security to the public. Punjab is a peace-loving state. We are continuously working against all anti-social elements. I appeal to the public to not pay heed to rumours," IG GS Bhullar said.
The DIG was asked whether Amritpal Singh's wife applied for a Canada visa and Amritpal too was planning to escape to Canada via Nepal, Swapan Sharma said it can be a possibility, but needs to be investigated.
At least 21 supporters of radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh were taken into custody as they tried to stage a 'dharna' to protest the police crackdown against him, officials said on Sunday. They were apprehended near Boparai Klan town in Ludhiana, PTI reported.
7 persons who were arrested in connection with 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh brought to court in Beas, Punjab, according to news agency ANI.
“If Punjab is getting defamed, then it will affect the whole country. The operation that could have been carried out without any force and show-off is now today being done in front of the whole country," Sunil Jakhar, BJP to news agency ANI.
DIG Jalandhar on Amritpal's arrest said, "We are registering FIRs in Amritsar rural area, we've apprehended 10 people. We are investigating how were these vehicles financed. Some phones have been recovered their technical analysis is being done."
"While interception in Mehatpur, the one in the front car took a leap during the chase. We have recovered the other two cars. We have recovered seven illegal weapons too. They had some Pakistan-ISI links," DIG Jalandhar on Amritpal's arrest.
“What is happening today in Punjab is because of CM Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). A local-level gangster who radicalized the youth of Punjab is getting national attention," Sunil Jakhar, BJP on Punjab police declaring Amritpal Singh a fugitive.
Police conduct flag marches in Gurdaspur and Ludhiana as an operation to nab Khalistani sympathiser Amritpal Singh continues. The Punjab government has extended the suspension of mobile internet services till March 20.
As efforts are underway in Punjab to nab the 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh, four 'suspects' were brought to Dibrugarh on Sunday amid tight security.
"There are four people, and they will be kept in Dibrugarh Central Jail. We will disclose their names later," SP Ajnala Police, Tejbir Singh Hundal told the media.
According to a statement made by Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, regarding the transport of four suspected associates of pro-Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh by Punjab Police to Dibrugarh, this is an act of security that involves cooperation between police forces. Sarma made this remark while speaking with the news agency ANI.
Police in Jalandhar have located the ISUZU car believed to have been used by Amritpal to flee from Mehatpur-Malsian road.
The car was recovered in a Shahkot village, and a search operation is currently ongoing in Bathinda amid concerns that Amritpal may have relocated to the area. The car was found to contain 315 bore weapons and 56 live cartridges. Swarandeep Singh, SSP Jalandhar Rural, provided this information.
Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh's friend Daljeet Singh Kalsi has been arrested from Gurugram.
Amritsar rural SSP Satinder Singh on Sunday informed that they arrested seven people yesterday in the case linked to Khalistani leader AMritpal Singh. And they have registered an FIR against Amritpal and his aides. "Six illegal 12-bore weapons have been recovered from them," he added.
Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj on Sunday said that the Punjab Police is doing its job and will be able to complete the search for fugitive Amritpal Singh.
Jalandhar Police Commissioner Kuldeep Singh Chahal said that a search operation is underway to nab 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh.
Security has been beefed up on Himachal Pradesh borders with Punjab in view of a crackdown against Khalistan supporter Amritpal Singh. The Una Police has barricaded several places and deployed its personnel in heavy numbers at Bathari, Marwari, Santoshgarh, and Mehatpur on the Himachal-Punjab border.
Four members of an outfit headed by Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh, who were arrested in Punjab, have been brought to Assam's Dibrugarh on Sunday, police said.
They were flown in a special flight, they said.
"The four are currently kept in Dibrugarh central jail," a police officer said.
Punjab police have seized two cars of 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh on Sunday as efforts are underway to nab him.
A Punjab Govt official said that they chased Amritpal Singh for about 20-25 kms but he managed to escape. "We have recovered a number of weapons and two cars also seized". The search operation is underway, and the cops have assured that would arrest the radical leader soon, Jalandhar CP KS Chahal on 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh said on Sunday.
While the Punjab government has suspended internet and SMS services in the state till 20 March (12 pm), the services like banking and mobile recharge will be active, Dept of Home Affairs & Justice, Govt of Punjab said.
“All mobile internet services, all SMS services (except banking & mobile recharge) and all dongle services provided on mobile networks, except the voice call, in the territorial jurisdiction of Punjab suspended till March 20 (12:00 hours) in the interest of public safety," ANI news agency reported.
With cops trying to chase fugitive Kaklistani leader Amritpal Singh, the suspension of internet and SMS services extended till Monday noon in Punjab says an official.
Daljeet Singh Kalsi alias Sarabjeet Singh Kalsi, an alleged advisor and financer of 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh, has been arrested, Central Agency sources told ANI news agency.
A massive search operation is on in Punjab to detain separatist leader Amritpal Singh, chief of Waris Punjab De. The 30-year-old came into prominence in the past 6-7 months as a Khalistani sympathiser.
He was born in Amritsar's Jallupur Khera village in 1993.
Singh studied up to Class 12 in Amritsar and left India to work with his uncle's transport company in Dubai.
He has been anointed the head of Waris Punjab De, an organisation founded by Deep Sidhu.
Amritpal and his supporters claim that Sidhu was murdered by the 'state'. Singh had backed Deep Sidhu for the Red Fort protest on the 2021 republic Day protest during the farmers' agitation.
Last year, Amritpal Singh went through Sikh baptism at Anandpur Sahib to become 'Amritdhari Sikh'. From a clean-shaven transporter, Amritpal has now become a radical Sikh leader with a flowing beard. He dresses like Bhindranwale.
In an old interview, Amritpal had said he was drawn to Sikh activism after the Bargari Sacrilege and Behbal Kalan police firing in 2015.
Amritpal is reportedly married to UK-based NRI Kirandeep Kaur.
Amritpal Singh has reportedly issued a threat recently to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, saying he will meet the same fate as that former prime minister Indira Gandhi.
On 23 February 2023, the supporters of Amritpal Singh clashed with police and stormed into the Ajnala police complex in Amritsar, protesting against the arrest of one of his associates--Lovepreet Toofan, who was arrested for allegedly assaulting and abducting a man.
Carrying swords and other arms, scores of supporters led by Singh had assembled at the police station in Ajnala in Amritsar. They broke the barricades put up by the police.
According to the Punjab Police, WPD elements are involved in four criminal cases relating to spreading disharmony among classes, attempt to murder, attacking police persons and creating obstructions in the lawful discharge of duties of public servants. Case FIR No. 39 dated 24-02-2023 also stands registered against WPD elements for the attack on Ajnala Police Station.
The Punjab Police on Saturday launched a state-wide campaign against Amritpal Singh, chief of 'Waris Punjab De' organisation and other members of the organisation. According to the police, a total of 78 people have been arrested who have links with the radical organisation.
The manhunt to arrest Amritpal Singh was not an impromptu decision. The Central, as well as the Punjab government, orchestrated this plan 15 days ago.
According to a report by the Indian Express, both governments were waiting for G20 meeting to end.
In view of the G20 meeting in Amritsar from 15 to 17 March, the government postponed the operation.
Police had made preparations 5 days ago that Amritpal Singh would be arrested while going to Rampura Phul. Amritpal was to attend a program in Rampura Phul on Saturday.
On February 28, the Punjab government requested the Union Home Ministry to send 120 CRPF personnel.
In an effort to nab Amritpal Singh, police personnel have been deployed outside Amritpal Singh's residence in Jallupur Khera village in Amritsar
Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh has been declared a fugitive. Meanwhile, security has beefed up in Punjab to arrest the radical leader.
Download the App to get 14 days of unlimited access to Mint Premium absolutely free!