Key Points:
- Punjab government ends NSA detention of seven associates of Amritpal Singh.
- Accused to be shifted from Assam’s Dibrugarh jail back to Punjab.
- All seven to face legal proceedings for the 2023 Ajnala police station attack.
- Move aimed at expediting trials and strengthening law and order in Punjab.
- Amritpal Singh remains detained in Assam; hearing scheduled on March 22.
Chandigarh:In a significant development, the Punjab government has decided not to extend the National Security Act (NSA) detention of seven close associates of Khalistani sympathizer and current Member of Parliament Amritpal Singh. The detainees, who have been lodged in Assam’s high-security Dibrugarh Central Jail for nearly two years, will now be brought back to Punjab to face trial for their alleged involvement in the violent attack on Ajnala police station in February 2023.
The seven aides identified by authorities include Daljit Singh Kalsi, Bhagwant Singh Bajekhana, Gurmeet Singh Bukkanwal, Basant Singh, Gurinderpal Singh Guri Aujla, Harjit Singh, and Kulwant Singh Dhaliwal. Their NSA detention period is set to expire between March 18 and March 20, prompting the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to shift them back to Punjab prisons immediately.
Senior officials from Punjab Police confirmed that arrangements have been made to securely transfer the accused from Assam. Deputy Inspector General (Border Range Amritsar) Satinder Singh stated clearly that once these detainees arrive in Punjab, they will be formally arrested under FIR number 39 related to the Ajnala violence case. “We will bring them here and take forward the investigation as per law,” he said.
The decision aligns with the Punjab government’s recent emphasis on accelerating criminal trials and strengthening law enforcement measures within the state. Authorities believe localizing these high-profile cases will help expedite judicial proceedings and reinforce public trust in governance.
Background of the Ajnala Attack:
On February 23, 2023, around 200-250 armed supporters led by Amritpal Singh stormed into the Ajnala police station near Amritsar. The mob violently clashed with security personnel, injuring six policemen while forcibly freeing one of their detained associates from custody. Following this incident, Punjab Police launched a massive manhunt resulting in Amritpal Singh’s arrest on April 23, 2023, after weeks of evading capture by frequently changing locations and appearances.
Initially detained under NSA provisions allowing preventive custody without formal charges for up to a year at a time, Amritpal and his associates were shifted out of state to Assam’s Dibrugarh jail due to security concerns. Despite being imprisoned, Amritpal successfully contested and won the Lok Sabha elections from Khadoor Sahib constituency in 2024 as an independent candidate.
Amritpal’s Status Remains Unchanged:
While his seven associates return to Punjab prisons following expiry of their NSA detention terms, Amritpal Singh himself remains lodged at Dibrugarh jail until at least June this year. His next hearing is scheduled for March 22, after which authorities will decide whether he too will be transferred back to Punjab.
This latest move by the Punjab government marks a crucial turning point in addressing longstanding tensions surrounding pro-Khalistani activities within the state. By bringing these high-profile accused back home for trial proceedings, authorities aim not only at swift justice but also at sending a strong message against any threats posed towards peace and stability in Punjab.
