Pro-Khalistani Fugitive Amritpal Singh Escapes with Help of Local Gurudwara in Jalandhar Village; Four Arrested for Aiding the Escape
On March 21, news broke that Amritpal Singh, a pro-Khalistani separatist fugitive, was aided in his escape from a village in Jalandhar district by a local Gurudwara. According to an eyewitness, Singh changed clothes at the Gurudwara, had food, and left on a motorcycle. CCTV footage obtained from local villagers showed Singh in different attire and escaping on a motorbike, after fleeing in a Maruti Brezza car.
#Watch | CCTV video shows how Waris Punjab De chief #AmritpalSingh changed vehicles to flee. pic.twitter.com/HXdr9XHBG5
— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) March 21, 2023
It was reported that before his escape, Singh changed his attire, removed his Bana, and trimmed his beard, which is forbidden for Amritdhari Sikhs. He was not carrying his Kirpan in the footage. Singh was aided in his escape by four individuals who have been arrested.
Punjab | We got to know today morning when the police came that Amritpal along with his associates was here in the village on Mar 18. He changed clothes at local gurudwara, had food&then went away on motorcycle. Babaji who's being questioned by police now had admitted that… pic.twitter.com/7YVgeUOsTq
— ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2023
The Punjab Police are making efforts to arrest Singh, but it is unclear whether he has fled the country or is still in hiding within India.
On March 18, a large-scale crackdown was launched by the Punjab Police, with support from Central agencies, to apprehend Amritpal Singh and his associates. Over 114 individuals linked to Singh have been arrested, including actor Daljeet Kalsi, who is believed to have been his advisor and financier.
Despite the crackdown, Singh managed to escape after a car chase and is currently on the run. It has been revealed that Singh has connections to SFJ and ISI, with his treasurer receiving funds from Pakistan. Four of his associates have been transferred to Dibrugarh, Assam.
In response to the situation, the state government suspended mobile internet and imposed Section 144 in the state. Although the internet has been restored in some locations, it remains suspended in others. On March 21, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) reached Punjab to take over the case.
