Amritpal Singh on a run from arrest, a manhunt has been initiated: Punjab Police
Amritpal Singh, the leader of the alleged pro-Khalistan group "Waris Punjab De," and his associates have been the targets of a crackdown that has so far resulted in 78 arrests and several detentions, according to Punjab Police, who also noted that Singh is still on the run.
According to police, "Punjab Police on Saturday launched a massive state-wide Cordon And Search Operations (CASO) against elements of Waris Punjab De (WPD) against whom several criminal cases stand registered in the state." They also noted that so far in the operation, 78 people have been taken into custody and several others have been held for questioning.
More information was provided by the official Punjab Police spokesperson, who said that on Saturday afternoon, the police stopped several Waris Punjab De activities at the Shahkot-Malsian Road in the Jalandhar district and immediately detained seven people.
"A massive manhunt has been initiated to find them," he continued, "and several others, including Amritpal Singh, are on the run.
Nine weapons, including one.315 bore rifle, seven 12 bore rifles, one revolver, and 373 live rounds of various calibres have so far been found during the statewide operation. The WPD elements are allegedly involved in four criminal cases involving attempts to kill, assault police officers, incite class strife, and prevent public employees from carrying out their duties lawfully.
He continued, "Case FIR No. 39, dated February 24, 2023, remains filed against WPD elements for the attack on Ajnala Police Station.
He declared that all those responsible for criminal offenses would be dealt with in accordance with the law, and that anyone sought by the police should submit to the legal system. Their fundamental right to legal representation must be upheld, he continued.
In the meantime, the authorities warned everyone to ignore rumors and false information. The state's situation is entirely secure. The authorities warned that anyone engaging in nefarious behavior with the intention of upsetting the state's peace and harmony would be dealt with harshly. Mobile Internet access had also been shut down earlier in the day in a number of Punjabi areas until noon on Sunday.
The police response came nearly three weeks after Amritpal's followers fought with officers at the Ajnala police station outside of Amritsar, demanding the release of Lovepreet Toofan, one of Amritpal's close aides.
Lovepreet Toofan was detained on February 23 after being accused of assaulting and kidnapping a man. Thousands of his fans stormed the Ajnala police station that day brandishing swords and large-caliber weapons, threatening the officers with dire repercussions if they did not free Toofan.
The backers, wielding blades and Police barriers outside the Ajnala police station were breached by weapons.
Later, the police announced that Lovepreet Singh Toofan would be released "in light of the evidence presented".
Lovepreet Singh was released from prison on February 24 as a result of a court's ruling in Ajnala in response to a police appeal.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann responded to the incident by saying that these "1000 people" don't represent Punjab and that they are "funded by Pakistan" to disturb the state's peace.