Home Blog Page 2279

Atiq Ahmed’s wife Shaista Parveen may surrender before the police today, claims Atiq’s lawyer

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Atiq Ahmed’s wife Shaista Parveen may surrender before the police today, claims Atiq’s lawyer

In just 50 days, mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed’s empire has collapsed. After his son Asad Ahmed was gunned down in an encounter with UP Police Special Task Force (STF) on April 13 in Jhansi, mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were shot dead by three assailants on Saturday night. Now Atiq Ahmed’s wife Shaista Parveen may surrender on Sunday, as per media reports. Shaista Parveen is a co-accused in the Umesh Pal murder case and she could not attend her son Asad Ahmed’s funeral on Saturday.

It is notable that Asad Ahmed who was also an accused in the Umesh Pal murder case was buried at Kasari Masari graveyard. Following Asad Ahmed’s death, rumours were rife that Shaista Parveen, who is absconding, might surrender, however, she did not do so. Parveen also carries a cash reward of Rs 50,000 on her head. 

Meanwhile, Atiq Ahmed’s lawyer Vijay Mishra reportedly said that Shaista Parveen may surrender before the police today. According to sources, she may attend the last rites of her husband and surrender to the police.

It is notable that police have not yet given any such confirmation although searches are being conducted across the state to arrest her and others accused in the Umesh Pal murder. Reportedly, Guddu Muslim, who hurled bombs during the murder, has been nabbed from Nashik.

In the early hours of Sunday (April 16), during a media interaction advocate Vijay Mishra said that Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed were being taken for medical examination and as soon as they entered the hospital, gunshots were heard. On the question of delayed action by the police, Mishra said that police acted promptly and nabbed the three assailants immediately who opened fire at the mafia brothers. 

On April 15, the notorious gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed was gunned down by three assailants in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Atiq and his brother Ashraf were brought to the hospital by the police for a medical check-up when the incident took place. The assassins were identified as Lavlesh Tiwari, Arun Maurya, and Sunny.

Section 144 imposed in Prayagraj, police conduct march

In the aftermath of the killing of Atiq Ahmed and his brother, the Uttar Pradesh government imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in all districts of the State. A large contingent of police has been deployed to avert any law and order situation.

Arvind Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh summoned in Gujarat University defamation case over ‘Modi degree’ row

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Arvind Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh summoned in Gujarat University defamation case over ‘Modi degree’ row

On Saturday (April 15), a Gujarat court issued summons to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and AAP MP Sanjay Singh in connection to a criminal defamation complaint filed over their objectionable statements about the educational qualification of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

As per reports, the two Aam Aadmi Party leaders have been asked to appear before the court on May 23, 2023. The complaint was filed by the Registrar of the Gujarat University, Piyush Patel, against Kejriwal and Singh for intending to damage the reputation of the varsity through defamatory utterances.

The Court has prima facie found a valid case of defamation against the two AAP politicians after analysing electronic records and recording evidence furnished by four witnesses.

“A normal person can conclude that it is being implied that Gujarat University issues fake and bogus degrees and is associated with fraud activity… This is the prima facie reasoning that can be concluded,” it noted.

The court emphasised, “…Prima facie, targeting Gujarat University, sarcastically, which is an institute established under constitutional provisions… it is obvious that it will taint the university’s image in people’s mind.”

“…Political figures, instead of serving their people, harbour animosity against each other, work directly or indirectly to personally harm the opponent and break the trust of their constituents,” it further added.

The Background of the Controversy

The AAP leaders had cast aspersions on the authenticity of the degree accorded to PM Modi by the Gujarat University. “All the ministers and spokesperson of the BJP have scrambled to prove that the prime minister’s degree is not fake,” Sanjay Singh had claimed during a press conference on April 2.

He further alleged, “If a probe is conducted the prime minister’s degrees would turn out to be fake and his (Lok Sabha) membership will be cancelled.”

A similar remark was made by AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal on April 1 during a press conference. He had said, “An uneducated or less educated PM is dangerous for India.”

“It is either because of his ego he doesn’t feel the need to show it to anyone but this kind of behaviour is not valid in a democracy. The other question that arises is that the degree might be fake,” he further claimed.

On March 31 this year, the Gujarat High Court quashed the Central Information Commission (CIC) order issued in 2016 directing Gujarat University to furnish information regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Master of Arts (MA) degree to Arvind Kejriwal. 

The Gujarat High Court on Friday ruled that Prime Minister’s Office is not required to furnish the graduate and post-graduate degrees of PM Modi. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on Delhi CM Kejriwal for seeking the details about PM Modi’s degree certificates. 

“Not scared to visit UP, jab pyaar kiya toh darna kya”: Owaisi after killing of Atiq Ahmed, Ashraf

ANI
-
0
“Not scared to visit UP, jab pyaar kiya toh darna kya”: Owaisi after killing of Atiq Ahmed, Ashraf

Coming down hard on the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh over the prevailing law and order situation in the wake of the killing of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed in Prayagraj, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday said it was necessary to prevent radicalisation, adding that he was not afraid to visit Uttar Pradesh. 

Addressing the mediapersons on Sunday morning, Owaisi said, “I have always been saying that BJP in Uttar Pradesh is not running the government by the rule of law but by the rule of gun. Uttar Pradesh’s BJP government has a role in this. Supreme Court-monitored investigation should be done and a committee should be formed. No officer from Uttar Pradesh should be included in the committee. This was a ‘cold-blooded’ murder.” He further said, “I am ready to die… Radicalisation needs to be stopped. I will surely visit Uttar Pradesh, I am not scared. Jab pyaar kiya toh darna kya (why fear death when you are loved).” 
Calling the incident a “cold-blooded murder”, Owaisi added that people who are celebrating this killing are “vultures”. 

“How did they (killers) get those weapons?… Why were they raising religious slogans after killing them? What will you call them if not terrorists? Will you call them Patriots? People celebrating this incident are vultures…” he said. 

Owaisi said the incident raises a big question about the law and order situation. 

The AIMIM chief questioned whether the public will have any faith in the constitution and law and order of the country after this incident. 

He said, “We would like to ask the Prime Minister of the country whether you will say anything or not? The Prime Minister says in his speech that ‘meri supari li gayi hai’. Now tell what is happening in the state from where you are the Member of Parliament. Every citizen of India is feeling unsafe and vulnerable after yesterday’s incident.” 

Owaisi further demanded Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s resignation. 

“I demand the resignation of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the Supreme Court to form a team and investigate this matter. We also demand all police officers present there should be removed from service,” he said. 

“Atiq and his brother were in police custody. He was handcuffed. JSR (Jai Shri Ram) slogans were also raised. The killing of both is the failure of Yogi’s law and order system. Those celebrating encounter raj are also responsible for this murder,” Owaisi added. 
Days after Atiq Ahmed’s son Asad was killed in an encounter in Uttar Pradesh’s Jhansi, the gangster-turned-politician and his brother, Ashraf Ahmed, were killed on Saturday while being taken for a medical examination in Prayagraj. 

Atiq Ahmed was accused in the 2005 Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA Raju Pal murder case and also in the Umesh Pal murder case which happened in February this year. UP Police, has, so far, arrested a total of 3 shooters in this incident. 

In the aftermath of the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in a late-night meeting instructed the state police officers to be on high alert and ensure law and order are maintained across the state. 

“UP CM Yogi Adityanath has instructed Police officers to be on alert, ensure peace, law and order are maintained in the state and the public doesn’t face any trouble,” according to the Chief Minister office’s statement. 

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered a high-level inquiry into the matter. 

“CM Yogi immediately called a high-level meeting and ordered a high-level inquiry into the whole matter. Chief Minister also gave instructions for the formation of a three-member Judicial Commission (Judicial Inquiry Commission) in the matter,” officials said. 
Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday imposed Section 144 of CrPC in all the districts, in the aftermath of Atiq Ahmed, Ashraf Ahmed was shot dead in Prayagraj, officials informed. 

Shortly after mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were shot dead in Prayagraj, former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday said crime has reached its peak in the state and the morale of the “criminals” has grown by leaps and bounds. 

“Crime has reached its peak in UP and the morale of the criminals is high. When someone can be killed openly despite being surrounded by a security cordon, one can imagine the state of the general public. Due to this (alleged encounter killings), an ambience of fear is being created among the public. It seems that some people are deliberately creating such an ambience,” Akhilesh Yadav tweeted.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

‘Atiq killed to divert attention from Satyapal Malik’s interview’, usual suspects float bizarre conspiracy theory

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘Atiq killed to divert attention from Satyapal Malik’s interview’, usual suspects float bizarre conspiracy theory

On April 15, notorious gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were killed by three assailants. The incident happened within hours of The Wire publishing a propaganda interview with former Jammu and Kashmir governor Satyapal Malik in which he made several allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Soon after Atiq was killed, TMC leader Mahua Moitra and many others speculated he might have been killed to divert attention from Satyapal Malik’s interview.

In a tweet, Moitra said, “I can even believe BJP got UP shooting done simply to deflect attention away from Satyapal Malik’s interview repercussions. Nothing, just nothing, is beyond this government.”

NDTV reporter Samiran Mishra said, “Atiq Ahmed’s encounter has kicked the Satyapal Malik interview into oblivion. This is 2019 all over again in the banana republic.” However, despite being a journalist, Mishra misled his followers as it was not an encounter.

Congress supporter Shuja Gandhi said, “Don’t get distracted by Atiq Ahmad and Ashraf, focus on Satyapal Malik Ji. They’re trying to divert attention after his exposé.”

JK National Conference leader Umesh Talashi claimed media houses ignored Satyapal Malik’s interview but happily covered Atiq’s murder. He said, “Noida channels lost signals yesterday, otherwise, they would have debated on allegations leveled by #Satyapal_Malik. The bullet shots on Atiq & Ashraf restored the signals.”

Twitter user Avtar Badesha said, “Satyapal Interview exposing Modi Govt role during Pulwama. Diversion – Atiq Ahmad. Indian politics these days.”

Madhya Pradesh Congress leader Aminul Khan Suri said, “What a timing… When Satyapal Malik and Pulwama were catching fire, now the killers entered the tight security and killed Atiq. Godi media which was silent on Malik became super active on Atiq. The killing of a goon is a bigger news than the martyrdom of the soldiers.”

Propaganda magazine Caravan’s Hartosh Singh Bal said, “how do you change the narrative after the Malik interview? nothing is beneath them.”

Interestingly, Twitter user The Skin Doctor had already predicted such tweets soon after Atiq was murdered. He said, “Kal ye chalega. Satyapal Malik ke interview se Modi sarkar ki jadein hil gayi thi isliye usse dhyaan hatane ke liye Yogi se keh-kar Atiq Ahmed aur Ashraf Azeem ka gangwar ke bahane encounter karwaya gaya hai.” It appears the Twitter Army has become too predictable and it is not a “good sign” for them especially when General Elections are less than a year away now.

A different toolkit to blame Hindus for the murder is also active on social media. Details about it can be read here.

Atiq Ahmed’s son Asad and his associate were killed in an encounter a few days back. There were intelligence reports that his son could have attempted to set Atiq free by attacking his convoy to court.

Man who killed Atiq Ahmed was jobless drug addict, wanted to rise in world of crime, says his father, here is what we know about the assailants

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Man who killed Atiq Ahmed was jobless drug addict, wanted to rise in world of crime, says his father, here is what we know about the assailants

A day after gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf was shot dead from point blank-range in Prayagraj, the assassins have reportedly revealed the motive behind their crime.

The assassins were identified as Lavlesh Tiwari, Arun Maurya and Sunny. According to Jagran, the trio informed that they took out Ahmed for killing innocent people.

“Atiq Ahmed use to kill for grabbing land and would not spare those who testified against him. His brother Ashraf was also involved. So, we killed both of them”, they were quoted as saying. The trio also told the police that they killed Atiq Ahmed and his brother over their ties with Pakistan.

According to Jagran, the three assassins initially gave different statements before the police. However, during interrogation, they revealed the actual motive behind the assassination of Atiq Ahmed and his brother.

According to Times Navabharat, Atiq Ahmed and his gang had killed a relative of one of the assassins and they eliminated the gangster-politician to avenge that murder.

As per a report by Times Now, the assassins were small-time criminals who wanted to become famous by killing Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf.

It has also come to light that Sunny, Arun Maurya and Lavlesh Tiwari had previously gone to jail in different cases. The cops are now investigating their modus operandi and their local aides in Prayagraj.

Meanwhile, the father of Lavlesh Kumar told the media that he has no connection with his estranged son. “We have no information about Lavlesh. We are not in touch with him for several years,” he was heard saying. He also said he was jobless. Father of Sunny, Pintu Singh, told news agency ANI that Sunny was also jobless and whiled away his time roaming around aimlessly. He also said that the son lived separately and have no idea how he became a criminal.

Section 144 imposed in Prayagraj, police conduct march

In the aftermath of the killing of Atiq Ahmed and his brother, the Uttar Pradesh government imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in all districts of the State. A large contingent of police has been deployed to avert any law and order situation.

In a press note, the state government stated, “Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the Prayagraj incident. He immediately convened a high-level meet and gave instructions that the case be probed.”

“The chief minister also issued instructions that a 3-member judicial commission be set up. All three attackers have been arrested. The police are conducting an inquiry,” it further added. Meanwhile, the police conducted a flag march in the Husainabad area of Lucknow.

Gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed were shot dead while being taken for medical examination in Prayagraj on Saturday (April 15) night. Earlier this week, his son Asad Ahmed and aide Ghulam were also neutralised in an encounter operation by the Uttar Pradesh Police.

Stone pelting in parts of Prayagraj after Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed shot dead

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Stone pelting in parts of Prayagraj after Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed shot dead

In a shocking turn of events, mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed were shot dead by three assailants while being taken for medical in Prayagraj. Following this, stone pelting incidents have been reported in certain areas of the Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh.

In Chakia, Karbala, Rajrooppur, and Kesaria areas of Prayagraj stones were hurled at the UP Police team as soon as the news of the mafia brothers death reached there. Some ATM machines were also vandalized. Locals reportedly caused a ruckus in Chakia near Atiq Ahmed’s residence. Chakia has been turned into a high-security zone, meanwhile media reports have stated that security around Umesh Pal’s residence has also been beefed up. 

The Uttar Pradesh government imposed section 144 in Prayagraj on Saturday as a precaution and to preserve the state’s law and order situation. Meanwhile, internet services have also been suspended in the district. 

Reportedly, as soon as word of the murder spread, shops along Colvin Hospital Road and in the old city were closed amidst police convoy patrolling. People came out of their homes. People gathered in the streets in large numbers. As a crowd started gathering outside the Colvin Hospital, police chased them away and the gates of the hospital were closed down to stop any outsider from entering. 

On Sunday, April 16, a convoy of District Magistrate and Police Commissioner was seen patrolling in patrolling the area where Atiq Ahmed and Ashraf Ahmed were shot dead at point-blank range by three men posing as journalists during a media interaction on Saturday night. 

Netizens speculate if Atiq Ahmed’s killers shouting Jai Shri Ram could be a plant

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Netizens speculate if Atiq Ahmed’s killers shouting Jai Shri Ram could be a plant

On April 15, the notorious gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed was gunned down by three assailants in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Atiq and his brother Ashraf were brought to the hospital by the police for a medical check-up when the incident took place. Soon after the incident, videos surfaced on social media where the assailants surrendered chanting “Jai Shri Ram” which activated the obvious actors to call out the imaginary “Hindutva” extremism. However, netizens believe that shouting the religious slogan could be a well-planned plan to create communal unrest in the country.

Obvious actors activated a toolkit against Hindus

In a statement, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi was one of the first to raise questions over religious slogans. He said, “Atiq and his brother were in police custody. They were handcuffed. ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans were raised. Their murder is failure of Yogi’s law and order system. Those celebrating encounter raj are also responsible for this murder.”

AIMIM national spokesperson Waris Pathan said, “After firing bullets from point blank range on Atik and ashraf the killers shouting Jai shree ram. Where is rule of law? Jungle Raj.” Not to forget, AIMIM leaders have called for removal of police for 15 minutes and claimed they would then show their power. Recently, an AIMIM leader claimed 20 crore Muslims would overpower 80 crore Hindus.

Congress party also jumped in to call out the chanting of religious slogans. Kerala Pradesh Congress Sevadal said in a tweet, “Gangster politician Atiq Ahmed & Ashraf Ahmed shot dead in police custody while been taken for medical. The killer nabbed the shot while chanting “Jai Shree Ram”. Ram Raj + Amrit Kaal in UP.” This is not the first time Congress jumped to blame Hindus for an attack. When Mumbai terrorist attack happened in November 2008, Congress tried to blame RSS for it. In fact, Ajmal Kasab, the only terrorist who was arrested alive was wearing Kalawa, a Hindu religious thread.

Hussain Haidry said, “Hindu(tva) terrorists have now come down to murder in broad daylight—right in front of the police and the media.”

Author Suchitra Vijayan said, “Atiq Ahmed (former politician) and his brother Ashraf (were gunned down in front of the police. The “assailants” yelled Jai Shri Ram as they killed the brother in front of a live camera. Encounter killings to Bulldozing livelihoods UP leads the way.”

Journalist Gaurav Arora said, “Atiq Ahmad Shooters Caught On Camera Shooting and Chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ This is disgusting.”

Political journalist at Scroll Shoaib Daniyal said, “A Muslim ex-MP shot dead on live TV by people screaming “Jai Shree Ram” as the police stand by and ministers celebrate. There are significant parts of the Indian Union which have seen a collapse in not only rule of law but basic societal functioning.” He was quoting BJP leader Swatantra Dev Singh who had simply said, “Sin and virtue are accounted for in this birth”.

Financial fraud accused Washington Post columnist Rana Ayyub who is best known for spreading misinformation said, “There are those celebrating without any pretense and then there are those playing ‘both sides’ almost justifying that it was a ‘gangster-politician’ who was murdered. So what if he was murdered in presence of media, police and the shooters screamed Jai Shri Ram before shooting.”

Propaganda portal Maktoob Media’s journalist Meer Faisal called the killers “Hindutva terrotists” and said, “Hidutva terrorists with slogans of “Jai Shri Ram” shot ex-MP Atiq and his brother in front of the police, and the police did not even fire a single bullet for protection. Welcome to Uttar Pradesh.”

Netizens called out the possibility of well-planned drama to blame Hindus

Netizens took to Twitter to call out the possibility of a well-planned drama to blame Hindus and create communal unrest in the state.

Author Levina said, “A well “executed” DRAMA‼ Wish Atiq Ahmed had survived a few more days to name other politicians with ISI links. Going by how the shooters were chanting “Jai Shri Ram” after the shooting— without an iota of doubt, this is a DRAMA. A well-executed drama‼ The reason Atiq Ahmed and his brother were shot in front of the MEDIA was— to create a sensation. Also to add the communal angle to the DRAMA and confusion. This is ISI sleeper cell hit job‼ Correct me if I am wrong.”

Twitter user Ajihaan said, “Atiq’s confession to having connections to ISI could be a reason of this murder. Could it be possible that ISI got him eliminated using their sleeper cell to save some other politician?”

Atiq Ahmed’s son Asad and his associate were killed in an encounter a few days back. There were intelligence reports that his son could have attempted to set Atiq free by attacking his convoy to court.

Atiq Ahmed, brother Ashraf Ahmed shot dead, video viral

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Atiq Ahmed, brother Ashraf Ahmed shot dead, video viral

Gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed shot dead while being taken for medical in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Earlier this week, his son Asad Ahmed and his aide Ghulam were also shot dead in retaliatory firing by Uttar Pradesh Police.

Republic TV is reporting that the firing took place under gang war. The shooter who shot at Atiq and his brother has escaped as per initial reports. ABP News is reporting citing sources that 2-3 people came and shot at Atiq Ahmed and his brother. On the other hand, Zee News is reporting that the assailants were disguised as journalists. Citing sources, Zee reports that three have been arrested.

Viral video shows Ahmed getting a headshot from an unknown assailants while he and his brother were speaking to media personnel while being escorted by Police.

This is a breaking story, more details to follow.

UK MP Nicholas Stern lavishes praises on PM Modi over India’s growth and development, lauds him for climate change action

OpIndia Staff
-
0
UK MP Nicholas Stern lavishes praises on PM Modi over India’s growth and development, lauds him for climate change action

During the World Bank Event on Saturday 15th April 2023, Nicholas Stern, a member of the UK House of Lords, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He lauded the Prime Minister in an event titled, ‘Making it Personal: How Behavioral Change Can Tackle Climate Change’. The program was organised in Washington DC. Nicholas Stern praised the LiFE global initiative taken up by the Prime Minister for tackling climate change.

Nicholas Stern said, “PM Modi has brought in a whole new story of growth and development. I listened carefully to his speech at COP 26 in Glasgow in November 2021 and what he set out, including LiFE, is what sustainable resilience and inclusive growth look like.”

Nicholas Stern further said, “It gives you cities where you can move and breathe. It gives you ecosystems that are robust and fruitful. It uses energy and all other resources much more efficiently. Efficiency is productivity, growth and development. Cities where you move. And of course, much more than output. I mean, if you stop killing people from air pollution, that’s very good for output. But actually, it’s rather important to stop killing people from air pollution in a very direct way. That’s part of what development means. So having that picture of a new way of breaking from the dirty, destructive models of the past and building something much more attractive, I think that is absolutely fundamental to everybody working together.”

Nicholas Stern added, “This is a story of doing things very differently and building a much better story of growth and development. I think India is out in front of that. The clarity and commitment of Prime Minister Modi is critical. It’s absolutely embodied in the G20 leadership as well. This is the growth and development story of this century.”

Nicholas Stern concluded by saying, “It involves change, involves investment, involves innovation, involves, indeed, behavioural change. But all that comes if you have a very clear understanding of where you’re going and why. And a clear understanding there’s actually rather an attractive path to follow, much better than the dirty, destructive models of the past.”

It is notable that PM Modi launched the LiFE (Lifestyle For the Environment) initiative in October 2022. The LiFE mission is a global mass movement led by India to ensure both individual and collective action to preserve and protect the environment. It is India’s unique initiative at the United Nations and other global platforms for demonstrating climate action and early achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The LiFE initiative intends to use the power of social networks to change societal attitudes around the environment. It intends to establish and support the “Pro-Planet People” (P3) worldwide network of people, who will all be committed to embracing and promoting ecologically responsible lives.

Amritpal Singh’s key aide Joga Singh, who helped him hide in Pilibhit, arrested from Punjab’s Sirhind

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Amritpal Singh’s key aide Joga Singh, who helped him hide in Pilibhit, arrested from Punjab’s Sirhind

Joga Singh, known as the main aide of fugitive Amritpal Singh has been arrested by the Punjab police from Sirhind, on Saturday. According to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Border Range Narinder Bhargav, Amritsar-rural and Hoshiarpur police collaborated on the operation to apprehend him. He is a resident of Ludhiana and was in charge of a Dera in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh.

From March 18 to March 28, he was with the ‘Waris Punjab De’ chief, and brought the latter back to Punjab on March 27 Punjab, per Satinder Singh, senior superintendent of police (SSP)-rural, Amritsar.

“This is the person who took Amritpal from the time he was reported absconding, beyond Delhi, gave him shelter and then brought him back to Punjab. He wasn’t booked under NSA (National Security Act). He will be produced in the Hoshiarpur court. Joga Singh’s intention was to stay low in some areas of Haryana,” DIG Narinder Bhargav informed during a press conference.

On Friday, three people were taken into custody for harbouring Amritpal Singh. Advocate Rajdeep Singh of Babak village near Tanda in Hoshiarpur, Sarabjit Sabi, a Nihang of Basti Danishmanda in Jalandhar and Onkar Nath, a self-styled preacher of the Tut Kalan village in Jalandhar were arrested and brought before the duty magistrate on Friday night. They were placed on a one-day police remand.

The police announced that they will be presented before the court on Saturday to request additional police remand. As per sources, the three have also been found to have some objectionable materials, and the police are inquiring them about the confiscated items.

On April 10, the Punjab Police arrested two brothers, Hardeep Singh (21) and Kuldip Singh (30) from the Rajpur Bhaian village in Hoshiarpur for reportedly providing the radical Sikh separatist with shelter and food on March 28 while he was being pursued by the police.

Papalpreet Singh, a close associate of wanted Amritpal Singh, was arrested by Punjab Police earlier on the same day. He was apprehended by the Punjab police in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, after being seen casually walking around the Gurdwara Sahib complex and accompanying link roads.

The police launched a major crackdown against Amritpal Singh and members of his ‘Waris Punjab De’ outfit last month. He managed to elude the police’s dragnet on March 18 by switching vehicles and changing his appearance. He is on the run since then.

1...2,2782,2792,280...7,641Page 2,279 of 7,641