Amritpal Singh hunt updates: On plea seeking 'Waris Punjab De' head's 'release', HC issues notice to Punjab

Amritpal Singh, the leader of the group Waris Punjab De, is an “ISI agent” who was brought to India by the Pakistani spy agency to spread violence over the Khalistan secessionist movement, officials in central intelligence agencies said on Saturday. Read more.

The Punjab and Haryana high court on Sunday sought response from the Punjab government on a plea seeking “release” of Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh. Read more.

Radical Sikh leader Amritpal Singh has remained elusive on the second day of Punjab Police's crackdown on Waris Punjab De while two more FIRs have been registered against him -- in connection with the recovery of a weapon from an abandoned car. Read more.

Petitioner Imaan Singh Khara, an advocate, claimed that Amritpal has been “illegally and forcibly” detained by the police from the Shahkot area of Jalandhar. Khara, who is the legal advisor of Amritpal and his outfit 'Waris Punjab De', apprehended threat to Amritpal's life. The petitioner prayed for the appointment of a warrant officer to visit the spot if the detenue is found in illegal custody.

“Punjab Police always work keeping law and order in view...Further actions regarding the case will also be done under the law, everyone has their legal rights & they can avail of legal remedies. Amritpal Singh is wanted in this case & he has not been arrested yet,” IG Punjab Police, Sukhchain Singh Gill said Sunday.

While Amritpal Singh remained untraceable, his father, Tarsem Singh, has said that the family doesn't know the current whereabouts of the ‘Warris Punjab De’ head.

Amid bid to nab radical Sikh preacher and Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh, Shambhu border with Punjab, Ambala police have been put on high alert, officials said on Sunday. Additional checkpoints have been set up and a large number of police personnel have been deployed there, they said.

Haryana has intensified checking of vehicles along the border with the neighbouring state, amid a bid to arrest Khalistan supporter Amritpal Singh. Internet and SMS services suspended in Punjab till Monday noon.

High Court notice on plea seeking production of Amritpal Singh before court. The notice said Singh was illegal detention of Punjab police. Punjab told to respond by Tuesday, meanwhile no warrant officer was appointed by the court. The plea was filed by Iman Singh Khara, legal adviser Waris Punjab De.

“16 persons (pro-Khalistan supporters) who were raising slogans in the city last night have been arrested and sent to judicial custody,” DSP Talwandi, Butta S Gill said Sunday.

“Till now, 10 people have arrested and 7 illegal weapons and more than 300 bullets seized. Three cars used by them have been recovered. Cordon & search operation underway,” Jalandhar DIG Swapan Sharma on operation to nab radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh.

“Punjab Police is acting within the law. Amritpal Singh is still absconding and not yet arrested. Don't believe the rumours and false news. Request all citizens to maintain peace & harmony & not panic,” a video statement released by IG Headquarters featuring Dr Sukhchain Singh Gill, IPS said. Watch video.

Hours after four suspected close aides of Punjab’s pro-Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh were brought to Assam's Dibrugarh jail, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday commented on the matter. Read here.

Amritpal Singh has reported links with chief of the International Sikh Youth Federation Lakhbir Singh Rode. Rode is wanted in India in cases of smuggling of arms and explosives, including RDX, apart from conspiracy to attack government leaders in New Delhi and spreading hatred in Punjab. Read full report.

Amritpal Singh, before coming to India, was in Dubai, working as a transport operator. At that time, he came in contact with ISI there, the report said. The agents of ISI are believed to have told him to motivate the innocent young Sikhs in the name of religion, it added.

Punjab police led a dramatic chase against Khalistani sympathiser Amritpal Singh on Saturday and detained 10 of his close aides. Read more.

Seven people arrested in Ajnala FIR in connection with Sikh radical preacher Amritpal Singh, remanded to police custody till March 23, reported ANI quoting SP Amritsar Rural Jugraj Singh.

"Yesterday 7 persons were arrested. Last night an FIR under Arms Act has been registered against them and Amritpal Singh is the main accused in the FIR. Six 12-bore weapons have been recovered from them and all weapons are illegal," said SSP Rural Amritsar, Satinder Singh to news agency ANI.

Seven persons who were arrested in connection with 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh were brought to court in Beas, Amritsar on Sunday, ANI reported.

The DIG was asked whether Amritpal Singh's wife applied for a Canada visa and Amritpal too was planning to escape to Canada via Nepal, Swapan Sharma said it can be a possibility, but needs to be investigated.

On the question of whether Amritpal Singh is hiding in Punjab or already left the state, the DIG said it is an intelligence-based operation and this information can't be shared. Read more.

Jalandhar DIG Swapan Sharma on Sunday revealed the details of Saturday's chase and said Amritpal Singh changed his routes several times during the chase and reached a one-lane link road of 12 to 13 km. Read more.