Punjab Police have arrested two individuals and registered an FIR in connection with a WhatsApp group allegedly supporting jailed MP Amritpal Singh from Khadoor Sahib, which reportedly discussed plans to attack Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister and BJP MP Ravneet Singh Bittu, and Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia.
The plot was uncovered after leaked screenshots of the group chat surfaced on social media on April 20, raising alarm across security agencies.
The group, named ‘Waris Punjab De Team’ reportedly have more than 600 members and is believed to be linked to anti-national activities.
The Cyber Crime Police Station in Moga have registered an FIR under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the Information Technology Act, including Sections 61(2)(a), 113(3), 152, 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The accused have been identified as Lakhdeep Singh Sardargarh, from Bathinda, Balkar Singh, from New Model Town, Khanna and Pawandeep Singh, from Khote, Moga. Of the three, Balkar and Pawandeep have been arrested.
DIG (Faridkot Range) Ashwani Kapoor said, “A case has been registered by Moga police and two accused have been arrested while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other unidentified persons.”
“There were around 30 members of the said chat group. More accused will be arrested. They have been booked for being part of the terrorist organisations and other criminal sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Information Technology (IT) Act,” he added.
The DIG said an objectionable group chat surfaced on social media, where the members were discussing leaders from various political parties.
“It appears from the chat that the group members were upset over extending the incarceration of the Independent MP from Khadoor Sahib under the National Security Act. They were discussing taking revenge by targeting leaders from different political outfits. The individuals were discussing targeting eminent leaders who are opposed to the jailed MP,” the DIG said.
The alleged screenshots and audio recordings related to the matter have already been shared with security agencies, police added.
Moga senior superintendent of police (SSP) Ajay Gandhi said that Balkar Singh of Khanna was arrested today, while the juvenile is a resident of Moga district. The case has been registered at the cyber cell police station.
“The family has claimed that one of the accused is a juvenile and we are following the protocol to verify the claims. The accused will be produced before the juvenile justice board as per the laid-down protocol. We cannot share more details regarding the two and the other identified accused at this moment as it might hamper the investigations,” the SSP said.
According to reports the group chat included discussions on foreign funding, arms procurement, and the circulation of inflammatory content online. Sources claimed the leaked chats have revealed that certain members were willing to sacrifice their lives for the cause provided their families are assured protection.
Notably, Ravneet Singh Bittu, grandson of former Punjab CM Beant Singh was assassinated by pro-Khalistan extremits, has been on the radar of pro-khalistani elements in the past and was accused by Amritpal’s supporters of aiding in his detention.
Meanwhile, SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia has released audio clips in which Amritpal Singh allegedly admits to ties with gangsters like Jaipal Bhullar and his involvement in dacoities, and other criminal activities.
Majithia said he opposed Amritpal on principles, especially when the he used the Guru Granth Sahib as a shield to attack the Ajnala police station to free a supporter. The Akali leader added, “This is the reason why I am being targeted now.” He, however, asserted that he would not keep quiet. “Nothing will stop me from speaking for the peace of Punjab and communal harmony,” he said.
Security agencies at both the state and national levels have taken note of the chats, and security for the targeted leaders has been heightened.
Jailed Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, who has been in police custody since April 2023 in Dibrugarj, Assam, is the face of Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De).
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