The Punjab and Haryana High Court severely bashes Punjab Government, asks how Amritpal Singh managed to slip, despite a police force of 80,000 strong.
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In an ongoing court proceeding, the High Court has raised several questions to the Punjab Government regarding the fugitive declared preacher, Amritpal Singh. The HC, during a habeas corpus petition seeking Singh’s production in court, has come down heavily upon the police force’s inability to arrest the preacher, and has called it an ‘intelligence failure’
‘What are 80,000 Cops doing?’: asks HC
The High Court in plain words reprimanded the Punjab Police force for the undue delay in Amritpal’s arrest. It further questioned the government on the matter, asking “What are your 80,000 Cops doing?”. Justice N.S. Shekhawat also pulled up the state government, saying it is an ‘intelligence failure’ if the fugitive has managed to slip from the police. Punjab Advocate General Vinod Ghai was further asked as to why the police force has not yet caught Amritpal if there was a meticulous plan of action in place, and why has everyone else (his associates) been arrested while he is still on the run.
NSA invoked against Amritpal Singh
On Monday, it was revealed that authorities had invoked The National Security Act (NSA) against five of Amritpal’s aides, including his uncle, Harjit Singh, and driver, Harpreet Singh. The government of Punjab told HC that NSA had been invoked against Amritpal Singh, a lawyer claimed. This news was confirmed by Punjab IGP Sukhchain Singh Gill later in the day, adding that a non-bailable warrant has also been issued against him. The habeas corpus petition was filed by one Iman Singh Khara, legal advisor to Amritpal Singh, and his outfit ‘Waris Punjab De.’ The petition sought the preacher’s ‘release’ from alleged police custody.
Getaway Car recovered, Arms Act Slapped on Aides
The Brezza car in which Amritpal Singh fled, has been recovered by the police, said Punjab IGP Sukhchain Singh Gill. The IGP further said that Amritpal while fleeing, stopped to visit a gurudwara at Nangal Ambian Village in Jalandhar District, where he changed his clothes. These facts were disclosed during the questioning proceedings of his aides who had been arrested. Also, Arms Act has been imposed upon four of Amritpal’s helpers.
Three more Amritpal associates moved to Dibrugarh
Amritpal Singh’s Uncle Harjit Singh had earlier been moved to Dibrugarh Prison in Assam. Three more of his associates have been moved to the same location. In total, seven aides of the fugitive preacher have been moved there. This is a classic strategy adopted by authorities in cases of arrests from Jammu and Kashmir, where there is a threat of breach of public peace. Looking at the sensitive underlying issues of this operation, this step seems to have been taken.
Internet ban mostly lifted, except in some parts of Punjab
As the manhunt for Waris Punjab De Chief, Amritpal Singh enters its fourth day, the internet ban is still imposed in certain parts of Punjab. It has been selectively lifted, except in several sensitivity pockets. Services are to remain suspended in the areas of Tarn Taran, Sangrur, Moga, Ferozepur, Sub-Division Ajnala in Amritsar, areas adjoining YPS Chowk and Airport Road both in SAS Nagar till March 23. (https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1638034782582984705/photo/1)
Will take strict action against anyone breaching state’s peace and harmony: CM Mann
Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann said on Tuesday, that his government will not let anyone breach the state’s peace and harmony and will take strict action against anyone trying to do such. He further said that he received many calls praising the state’s action of the state-wide crackdown. This communique comes as the search operation for the fugitive declared preacher Amritpal Singh enters Day 4. Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal also congratulated CM Mann for handling the situation while maintaining law and order in a ‘patient and mature manner.’
