New Delhi: Amritpal Singh, a fugitive preacher and the chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD) outfit, was arrested on Sunday after he surrendered before Punjab police in Moga.
Confirming the arrest, Punjab Police tweeted: “Amritpal Singh arrested in Moga, Punjab. Further details will be shared by Punjab Police. Urge citizens to maintain peace and harmony, Don’t share any fake news, always verify and share.”
Punjab IGP Sukhchain Singh later told the media that he was arrested around 6.45 am in Rode village.
Amritpal is facing charges under the National Security Act (NSA) and is likely to be taken to Dibrugarh central jail in Assam where eight of his associates are lodged.
The pro-Khalistan propagator had been on the run since March 18. A crackdown on Amritpal Singh and members of his outfit was launched by police after his supporters stormed a police station in Ajnala, demanding the release of one of his aides, Lovepreet Toofan.
He is accused of sourcing weapons from Pakistan through its spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence and trying to divide Punjab on communal lines, media reports said.