The Punjab government has informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that despite their best efforts, they have not been able to arrest radical preacher Amritpal Singh. This information was presented in response to a habeas corpus petition filed by advocate Imaan Singh Khara, who is seeking the release of the Khalistan sympathizer from alleged police custody.
During the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Khara requested more time from the court to produce evidence showing that Amritpal Singh was in illegal custody. The court had earlier asked Khara to provide evidence to support his claim that the preacher was in police custody.
In an affidavit filed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Narinder Bhargav, the state government stated that Amritpal Singh is currently absconding from the law. Multiple raids have been conducted to apprehend him, but he has not yet been arrested.
The affidavit also stated that a “hue and cry” notice had been issued by the senior superintendent of police in Amritsar Rural on March 28, calling for information about the whereabouts of Amritpal Singh. The notice has been circulated in public places in and around all districts of Punjab.
Earlier, the high court had rapped the Punjab government over the intelligence failure that led to the pro-Khalistan preacher giving police the slip. Police had launched a major crackdown against Amritpal and members of his outfit ‘Waris Punjab De’. However, the elusive preacher managed to escape their dragnet when his cavalcade was intercepted in Jalandhar district recently.
Khara is the legal advisor of Amritpal Singh and his outfit ‘Waris Punjab De’. The next hearing in the case is expected to take place soon.