Who is Amritpal Singh and What Did He Do? Know the Details Here
by Rajalaxmi
Updated Apr 25, 2023
Who is Amritpal Singh?
Amritpal Singh Sandhu is a well-known figure in India due to his radical views and his involvement in the Khalistani separatist movement. Born on January 17, 1993, Sandhu has been described as a self-styled Sikh preacher and a controversial figure. After spending a decade in Dubai, Sandhu returned to his homeland of Punjab in September 2022.
He was appointed as the leader of Waris Punjab De, which means "Heirs of Punjab" in English. This appointment was controversial due to Sandhu's past affiliations with the Khalistani separatist movement. Upon his return to Punjab, Sandhu began a campaign to discourage drug use among the youth and to promote traditional Sikhism.
He advocated for a sovereign Sikh state, which is commonly referred to as "Khalistan." This campaign has gained traction among some segments of the Sikh population in Punjab, but it has also drawn criticism from those who oppose Sandhu's separatist views. Sandhu's views and actions have been described as radical, and he is often seen as a divisive figure in Indian politics.
What Did Amritpal Singh Do?
Amritpal Singh, a self-proclaimed preacher known for advocating Sikh independence, was arrested in Punjab state on Sunday, April 25th. Singh, who is 30 years old, had been on the run for more than a month after evading arrest in Punjab on March 18th. Singh's calls for Sikh independence have been a source of controversy in India, where the government views such demands as a threat to national unity.
His arrest comes amid a wider crackdown on Sikh activists and organizations in Punjab, which has been wracked by separatist violence in the past. Singh's supporters have condemned his arrest, calling it a violation of his right to free speech and expression. They argue that Singh was merely expressing his opinions and that he should not be persecuted for holding beliefs that are different from those of the government.
Where is Amritpal Singh Now?
According to a source familiar with the situation, Papalpreet has revealed that Amritpal Singh is presently located in Punjab, and the two of them have parted ways following recent raids. The source did not provide any additional information about the nature of the raids or the reasons for their separation. It is unclear whether Amritpal Singh is in hiding or if he has resurfaced publicly in Punjab.
The source's comments come amid heightened scrutiny of alleged unlawful activities involving Sikh separatist groups, particularly those based in Canada. In recent years, several individuals associated with these groups have been arrested and charged with crimes ranging from conspiracy to commit murder to money laundering.
Who is Amritpal Singh's Wife Kirandeep Kaur?
The Punjab Police has recently intensified its search for the leader of Waris Punjab De, Amritpal Singh, and has now extended their investigation to include his wife, Kirandeep Kaur. It is believed that Kaur may have valuable information about her husband's whereabouts, prompting the authorities to summon her for questioning.
Kaur, an NRI who resides in the United Kingdom, tied the knot with Singh just a few months after he assumed leadership of Waris Punjab De following Deep Sidhu's departure. Her family hails from Jalandhar, a city in the Indian state of Punjab. The Punjab Police's decision to investigate Kaur underscores the seriousness of the case and their determination to bring Singh to justice.
Why is Amritpal Singh Famous?
Amritpal Singh, a resident of Punjab, made headlines when he was arrested for his actions and spent a few months in prison. However, upon his release on bail, he decided to channel his energy towards a more productive cause. He founded the Waris Punjab De ("Heirs of Punjab") organization to fight for what he deemed were the rights of Punjab.
The organization aimed to address various issues, such as unemployment, drug addiction, and corruption, which were prevalent in the region. Amritpal Singh's time in prison had given him a new perspective on life. He realized that he needed to do something for the betterment of his community. With the help of his supporters, he formed Waris Punjab De and began organizing protests and rallies to draw attention to the issues affecting Punjab.
Why was Amritpal Singh Arrested?
On March 18, 2023, law enforcement officials started taking action against Amritpal and his associates. In response, the radical preacher decided to flee from the authorities. However, his actions did not go unnoticed, and he was subsequently charged with rash or negligent driving and disobedience to the order of a public servant at the Mehatpur police station.
According to reports, Amritpal's vehicle collided with several other vehicles, including a police vehicle, before he was able to evade the scene. The incident resulted in significant damage to the other vehicles involved and could have resulted in serious injuries or even fatalities. This latest development has caused concern among the public and law enforcement officials, as Amritpal has been known to incite violence and preach hate in the past.
What Happened to Amritpal Singh?
Recent developments in India have brought to light the alleged involvement of Sandhu, a prominent figure in the state of Punjab, in activities that threaten national security. Indian intelligence sources have claimed that Sandhu has received support from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the intelligence agency of Pakistan, and has been stockpiling weapons while raising a private militia called Anandpur Khalsa Fauj (AKF).
These allegations have led to an intense crackdown by the state and central governments on Sandhu and his associates. In March 2023, the state government initiated coordinated efforts with the central government to curb the activities of Sandhu and his followers. The crackdown was launched with the objective of neutralizing the threat posed by Sandhu and his group to national security.
After months of investigation, the authorities finally arrested Sandhu on 23 April 2023. He was taken into custody along with his key associates who were believed to be involved in the same activities. The arrest of Sandhu and his associates has been hailed as a major success for the Indian security forces in their ongoing fight against terrorism and separatism.
Who is Amritpal Singh - FAQs
Amritpal Singh is a 30-year-old man from Jallupur Khera in Punjab's Amritsar district.
Waris Punjab De is a group founded by Punjabi actor-turned-activist Deep Sidhu to fight for the "rights of Punjab".
Amritpal Singh projects himself as a follower of Sikh terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, from his style to his mannerisms.
Amritpal Singh has faced criticism for misusing the legacy of Bhindranwale.
Deep Sidhu's brother Mandeep has alleged that Amritpal Singh's Waris Punjab De is different from their group with the same name and that Amritpal is misusing Deep Sidhu's name.