Amritpal Singh's latest updates: Multiple intelligence agencies in Punjab have been keeping a close watch on the state as police launched a manhunt against Self-styled radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh. According to Punjab Police, a special team was constituted to nab the "fugitive" Amritpal Singh.
As of now, the Spokesperson of Punjab police confirmed at least 78 associates of Amritpal Singh have been detained in a massive crackdown. Houses of Singh's supporters have also been raided. The Centre is keeping a watch over the developments in Punjab, officials said.
Punjab Police said they have beefed up security in all districts of the state.
Divulging more details, official spokesperson of Punjab Police said that on Saturday afternoon, several activities of WPD were intercepted by the Police at the Shahkot-Malsian Road in Jalandhar district and seven persons were arrested on the spot. Several others including Amritpal Singh are on the run and a massive manhunt has been launched to nab them, he added.
Police seized nine weapons
During the state-wide operation, nine weapons, including one .315 bore rifle, seven rifles of 12 bore, one revolver and 373 live cartridges of different caliber have been recovered so far.
The Spokesperson informed that WPD elements are involved in four criminal cases relating to spreading disharmony among classes, attempt to murder, attack on police persons and creating obstructions in the lawful discharge of duties of public servants. Case FIR No. 39 dated 24-02-2023 stands registered against WPD elements for the attack on Ajnala Police Station, he added.
Supporters of Amritpal Singh, Waris Punjab De chief, have been sharing videos of police vehicles chasing Singh's cavalcade in Moga district. A video being shared on social media showed Amritpal Singh sitting in a vehicle and one of his aides could be heard saying policemen were after 'Bhai saab' (Amritpal).
Internet services suspended
Mobile internet services have been suspended across Punjab till Sunday afternoon in order to prevent law and order situation going out of control in view of Singh's arrest.
"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 shall be suspended from 18th March (12:00 hours) to 19th March (12:00 hours) in the interest of public safety," a statement issued by the Department of Home Affairs & Justice, Govt of Punjab, said.
Last month, Amritpal and his supporters, some of them brandishing swords and guns, broke through barricades and barged into the Ajnala Police Station on the outskirts of the Amritsar city, and clashed with police for the release of one of Amritpal's aide.
Dubai-returned Amritpal Singh is the head of 'Waris Punjab De' organisation founded by actor and activist Deep Sidhu who died in a road accident in February last year.
