Radical preacher Amritpal Singh, who evaded the Punjab Police last month after his cavalcade was stopped in rural Jalandhar, was arrested from Moga Sunday after a massive operation was launched against his outfit ‘Waris Punjab De’.
Amritpal and his associates were booked under several charges after they stormed a police station on 24 February to free his close aide Lovepreet Singh Toofan. Toofan is also on the run since 18 March.
“Amritpal Singh arrested in Moga, Punjab. Further details will be shared by Punjab Police. Urge citizens to maintain peace and harmony. Don’t share any fake news, always verify and share,” the Punjab Police tweeted early on Sunday.
#AmritpalSingh arrested in Moga, Punjab.
Further details will be shared by #PunjabPolice
Urge citizens to maintain peace and harmony, Don’t share any fake news, always verify and share.
— Punjab Police India (@PunjabPoliceInd) April 23, 2023
Television reports quoted sources as saying that the fugitive surrendered at a gurudwara in Moga district. They added that he was being shifted to Assam’s Dibrugarh, where eight of his aides are already being held under the National Security Act.
In recent audio and video messages, the self-styled preacher could be heard saying that he was neither in custody nor negotiating his surrender.
Amritpal was on his way from his village Jallu Khera in Amritsar to Bhadaur in Barnala on 18 March to attend a religious function when his cavalcade was stopped at a naka.
He and his associates have been booked under several criminal cases related to spreading disharmony among classes, attempt to murder, attack on police personnel, and creating obstructions in the lawful discharge of duty by public servants.
Source: The Print
