The Punjab Police is set to bring back seven associates of jailed MP and radical preacher Amritpal Singh from Assam’s Dibrugarh jail, as the state government has decided not to extend their detention under the stringent National Security Act (NSA).
A senior police officer confirmed the decision on Sunday, stating that these individuals will now face legal proceedings in connection with the 2023 Ajnala police station attack case.
With their NSA detention period coming to an end, the Punjab government has opted against its extension, clearing the way for their transfer. Amritpal Singh, the leader of the ‘Waris Punjab De’ outfit, along with nine of his associates, has been lodged in Dibrugarh jail under the NSA for the past two years.
In the recent 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he contested as an independent candidate and secured victory from the Khadoor Sahib constituency.
The seven associates set to return to Punjab include Basant Singh, Bhagwant Singh Bajekhana, Gurmeet Singh Bukkanwal, Daljit Singh Kalsi, Gurinderpal Singh Guri Aujla, Harjit Singh, and Kulwant Singh Dhaliwal.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Border Range Amritsar) Satinder Singh stated that the police will advance the investigation into the 2023 Ajnala police station attack.
He mentioned that although ten individuals were detained under the NSA, they have not been formally arrested in relation to the Ajnala case. The police plan to arrest the seven returning detainees under FIR number 39 and proceed with legal action.
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When questioned about Amritpal Singh’s status, the DIG declined to comment. He reiterated that legal action against the seven individuals would follow due process, as their NSA detention is set to expire.
Last year, the NSA detention period for Amritpal Singh and his nine associates was extended by a year. Amritpal Singh, who models himself after slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, was arrested on April 23, 2023, from Rode village in Moga after evading authorities for over a month.
He had escaped a police chase in Jalandhar district on March 18, 2023, by switching vehicles and disguising his appearance.
The Punjab Police launched a crackdown following the February 23, 2023, Ajnala incident, where Amritpal Singh and his armed supporters stormed a police station on the outskirts of Amritsar city, clashing with police personnel to demand the release of his aide.
He and his associates were booked on multiple charges, including inciting communal disharmony, attempted murder, attacking police personnel, and obstructing public servants in their duty.
Also Read: Punjab MP Amritpal Singh granted leave, Centre tells HC
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