In a notable post-NSA development, Punjab Police has taken custody of Papalpreet Singh, a close aide of Khadoor Sahib MP and ‘Waris Punjab De’ chief Amritpal Singh, following his production in court on Tuesday. The custody has been granted for three days, until April 18, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Amritsar, Gurvinder Singh.
Punjab Police had travelled to Dibrugarh on April 9 to secure Singh’s custody after the revocation of the National Security Act (NSA) under which he was detained. Papalpreet was initially arrested in Hoshiarpur on April 10, 2023, following the now-infamous Ajnala police station incident on February 23, where Amritpal’s supporters forcefully demanded the release of Lovepreet Toofan, another close associate.
Family and Legal Team Cry Foul
Papalpreet Singh’s family and legal counsel have strongly criticised the police action, claiming that the entire case is politically motivated and one-sided.
His mother, Mandhir Kaur, defended her son, saying:
“He only tried to keep people away from drugs and encouraged them to follow the teachings of the Gurus. It is clear for the world to see.”
She also demanded bail for her son.
His maternal uncle, Amarjeet Singh Wangchadi, went further, questioning the legality and fairness of applying NSA and transporting Papalpreet 4,000 km away:
“I know he did wrong, but was NSA applied to anyone during the 1984 or Vadodara riots? Why such harsh action now?”
Legal Perspective: “It’s All a Drama”
Papalpreet’s advocate, Harpal Singh Khara, alleged a lack of transparency and justification in the state’s legal actions:
“Even police and the state officials don’t know what the accusations are. They are showing footage of two people walking around—how is that incriminating?”
He also argued that no actual damage was caused during the Ajnala incident:
“Nothing was stolen. No damage was done. The allegation of a police station attack is hollow.”
Khara accused the authorities of deliberately dragging the legal process:
“They will keep extending remands in the name of investigation. It’s a tactic to stall the rise of the ‘party’. They’re scared.”
Context: Rising Tensions Around Amritpal Singh
The arrest and subsequent detention of Papalpreet Singh is part of a broader crackdown on the Waris Punjab De movement led by Amritpal Singh, who has positioned himself as a pro-Khalistan voice and has gained a significant following, particularly among youth in Punjab. Authorities have tightened their grip on the group, citing concerns over public order and alleged attempts to revive separatist sentiments.
The revocation of NSA signals a possible shift in approach, but the Punjab Police continues to pursue key figures linked to the Ajnala incident and related activities.