Police in Punjab has made a significant discovery after recovering videos and pictures from a mobile phone belonging to Tajinder Singh Gill, also known as Baba Gorkha. Gill is a close associate of Amritpal Singh, the leader of the pro-Khalistani group ‘Waris Punjab De’.
The material found on the phone includes images of the Khalistan flag, emblem, and currency, as well as footage of young people practicing with firearms for the Anandpur Khalistan Fauz (AKF), a group linked to Gill. According to the Punjab Police, the material found reveals the “sinister designs” of this emerging militant force and the threat it poses to peace and harmony in Punjab and national security.
#Punjab police claimed to have recovered videos of Anandpur Khalsa Fouj (AKF) from mobile phone of #AmritpalSingh‘s gunman, Tejinder Singh Gill alias Gorkha Baba. Police releases video claiming AKF members were practising to use firearms in firing range setup in Jallupur Khera. pic.twitter.com/knv6SuPdNi
— Parteek Singh Mahal (@parteekmahal) March 24, 2023
Who is Tajinder Singh Gill and what Punjab Police revealed?
— According to Senior Superintendent of Police (Khanna) Amneet Kondal, Tajinder Singh Gill, also known as Baba Gorkha, stated during interrogation that he had met Amritpal Singh through Bikram Singh Khalsa, whom he had encountered during the farmers’ protest on the outskirts of Delhi.
— Baba Gorkha, disclosed during interrogation that they established a firing range in Amritpal Singh’s hometown, Jullupur Kheda, in the Amritsar district. He further added that they have also procured bulletproof jackets.
— Baba went to Jallupur Khera five months back and was inducted as his gunman. Baba was given weapons marked AKF and firing practice was conducted at a makeshift range in the village.
— Baba used to display weapons in pictures and videos on social media without having an arms license. An FIR against him was registered under IPC Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), the police earlier said.
— Officials said the investigation has revealed that he was also involved in the Ajnala incident and the Ajnala Police will separately take action against him.
–The arrested man was a member of the AKF, being raised by Amritpal to wage an armed struggle for the formation of a separate Khalistan state, a police statement said.
What Punjab Police found?
In the videos & pictures #AmritpalSingh‘s supported can be seen with AKF imprinted vests and weapons. pic.twitter.com/hB4JpoiOAm
— Parteek Singh Mahal (@parteekmahal) March 24, 2023
After the arrest of Tajinder Singh Gill, aka Baba Gorkha, the Punjab Police discovered incriminating evidence on his mobile phone. The phone contained pictures of the flag and emblem of Khalistan, as well as logos for its proposed provinces. The phone also contained pictures of an AKF hologram and Khalistan currency, including a “10 dollar” note, and a Pakistani national’s driving license.
During the investigation, Baba revealed that all members of the Anandpur Khalistan Fauz (AKF) were assigned belt numbers like AKF 3, AKF 56 and AKF 47, possibly based on their seniority or proximity to pro-Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh, whom he had come in contact with through Bikram Singh Khalsa during the farmers’ protest on the outskirts of Delhi.
The examination of Baba’s phone also showed that two WhatsApp groups – “AKF” and “Amritpal Tiger Force” – were created, and members of the AKF were paid salaries. Another associate, Gurbhej Singh alias Bheja, arranged for 10 bullet-proof jackets with AKF inscribed on them for the group two months ago. He also provided firearms training to newly inducted members of the group at a makeshift firing range.
The videos recovered from the phone show members demonstrating their skills in assembling, disassembling, and cleaning weapons. Senior Superintendent of Police (Khanna) Amneet Kondal stated that the material recovered demonstrates the “sinister designs” of this nascent militia force and the significant threat they pose to “peace and harmony of Punjab and national security.”
While Amritpal Singh remains at large, several of his alleged associates are currently in police custody.
