Punjab Police on Friday released as many as 44 persons, who were taken into preventive custody during the ongoing operation against the ‘Waris Punjab De’ group led by self-styled Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh.
The youths were released at the directions of chief minister Bhagwant Mann who instructed the cops not to harass any innocent persons during the operation.
Opposition parties in Punjab have also criticised the government and the police for putting innocent youth behind bars during the operation.
Additional director general of police (law and order) Arpit Shukla said that in the larger interest of the public and keeping in view that these youngsters should not suffer, the Punjab Police have decided to release those persons who have a minimum role or were just following Amritpal Singh on religious sentiments only.
As many as 44 persons, who were under preventive arrest, were handed over to their family members on Friday.
The development comes a day after the announcement by the inspector general of police (headquarters) Sukhchain Singh Gill that the police might release 177 arrested persons taken into preventive custody.
Notably, a total of 207 persons have been arrested for disturbing peace and harmony in the state, of which 30 have been found to be involved in substantive criminal activities, while the remaining were under preventive arrest. Gill had also assured that people involved in baptism and de-addiction will also not be bothered at all.
{{/usCountry}}Notably, a total of 207 persons have been arrested for disturbing peace and harmony in the state, of which 30 have been found to be involved in substantive criminal activities, while the remaining were under preventive arrest. Gill had also assured that people involved in baptism and de-addiction will also not be bothered at all.
{{/usCountry}}The IGP (HQ) said that the police teams are doing a thorough screening of the remaining persons, who are under preventive arrest, and they will be released soon from police custody if they were not found involved in any substantive criminal activities.