Chandigarh: Faridkot Police have invoked provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in a murder case in which jailed Khadoor Sahib MP and Waris Punjab De leader Amritpal Singh is named as an accused. This marks the first time UAPA charges have been applied in a case against Singh.
Faridkot SSP Pragya Jain confirmed the development, stating that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has officially informed the court about the inclusion of UAPA charges. However, she refrained from specifying the exact sections, citing the need to review the case file.
The case involves the murder of Gurpreet Singh, a YouTuber who ran the channel “Hari Nau Talks,” in Faridkot on October 9 last year. Punjab Police allege that Amritpal Singh conspired in the killing, claiming it was carried out at his behest. Gurpreet Singh’s murder was allegedly orchestrated by Canada-based designated terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill, alias Arsh Dalla. Two operatives linked to Dalla were arrested a month after the incident.
Amritpal Singh, who has been in jail since April 2023, is currently detained in Dibrugarh Jail, Assam, under the stringent National Security Act (NSA). On February 23, 2023, Amritpal Singh led a crowd of thousands to storm the Ajnala police station in Amritsar, where significant vandalism took place. Following this, he went into hiding on March 18, prompting authorities to issue non-bailable warrants against him. On April 23, 2023, Punjab Police arrested him in Moga and subsequently booked him under the NSA before transferring him to Dibrugarh Jail. Despite being in jail, he contested and won the Lok Sabha elections.
Despite the allegations, Faridkot Police have yet to interrogate Amritpal Singh in jail, even three months after the murder.
This legal development comes just days before Amritpal Singh’s supporters are scheduled to hold a political rally at the Maghi Mela in Sri Muktsar Sahib on January 14, where they are expected to announce the formation of a political party. Additionally, a significant court hearing regarding the NSA imposed on Amritpal Singh is scheduled for January 15.