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Amritpal Singh still on the run, declared fugitive: Punjab police

Police conducted a raid at his home in Amritsar

Amritpal-Singh-ANI Amritpal Singh | ANI

Amritpal Singh, the chief of pro-Khalistan outfit chief 'Waris Punjab De,' has been declared a fugitive, said Jalandhar Commissioner Kuldeep Singh Chahal. The police chief added that they hoped to arrest the absconding man soon.

The Punjab Police launched a crackdown on the organisation on Saturday, leading to the arrest of over 78 people so far. However, Amritpal managed to flee the police and was last seen fleeing on a bike.

"Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh has been declared a fugitive. His two cars were seized and gunmen nabbed. We also checked if the firearms of his security escorts had been procured legally. A case has been registered. Punjab Police have launched a manhunt for Amritpal Singh and we are hopeful that he will be arrested soon. A total of 78 people have been arrested so far and further searches and raids are underway," Chahal told ANI.

Several activities of 'Waris Punjab De' were intercepted by the Police at the Shahkot-Malsian Road in Jalandhar district on Saturday evening. Seven persons were arrested on the spot. 

Meanwhile, the Punjab Police said that a state-wide raid is on. "During the state-wide operation, nine weapons, including one .315 bore rifle, seven rifles of 12 bore, one revolver and 373 live cartridges of different calibres have been recovered so far," said the official spokesperson of Punjab Police. 

The WPD elements will likely be charged with spreading disharmony among classes, attempting to murder, attacking police persons and creating obstructions in the lawful discharge of duties of public servants. "Case FIR No. 39 dated 24-02-2023 stands registered against WPD elements for the attack on Ajnala Police Station," he added. 

Meanwhile, Internet services will be suspended across the state till noon on Sunday. The police also asked people to maintain peace and harmony. "Request all citizens to maintain peace & harmony Punjab Police is working to maintain Law & Order. Request citizens not to panic or spread fake news or hate speech," it said in a tweet. 

Amritpal's residence raided

The police have conducted searches at his residence in Amritsar but did not find anything illegal, said reports quoting his father. Tarsem Singh, Amritpal’s father, said the police should have arrested him before he left the house.

"We don’t have any information about his whereabouts. They carried out a search at our residence for 3-4 hours but did not find anything illegal. Police should have arrested him before he left home," said Tarsem Singh in an exclusive interview with ANI on Saturday.

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