Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh’s father Tarsem Singh on Sunday claimed that the 'Waris Punjab De' chief has already been arrested by the Punjab Police and that the police were "lying" that he was absconding.
In an interview with ABP Sanjha, Amritpal's father alleged that the "police are lying", raising suspicion that he may be in their custody. "We are sure that he has been arrested. We want the police to present him before the court to be able to take legal recourse," he remarked when asked if he would ask his son to surrender.
Tarsem Singh defended his son saying that Amritpal did not make a violent call as he has been terming his "constitutional rights". He termed the Punjab Police action as unjustified.
He also appealed to supporters of the 'Waris Punjab De' chief to protest peacefully, "there shouldn't be any violence".
Jalandhar Commissioner Kuldeep Singh Chahal today told the media that Amritpal was chased by police for about 20-25 kms but he managed to escape. We have recovered a number of weapons and two cars were also seized.
"Search is underway and we'll arrest him soon. Law and order will be maintained," he stressed.
On Saturday evening, the supporters of 'Waris Punjab De' chief shared some videos on social media saying that policemen were chasing them. A purported video also showed Amritpal sitting in a vehicle and one of his aides was heard saying policemen were after "Bhai saab" (Amritpal).
A heavy deployment of security forces had been made near Amritpal Singh's native village Jallupur Khera in Amritsar for the operation to arrest the radical preacher.
The police action came a day ahead of the start of Amritpal Singh's 'Khalsa Wahir' - a religious procession - from Muktsar district, as per news agency PTI.
Punjab Police on Saturday said that it arrested 78 persons while several others were detained for questioning
"78 arrested after mega crackdown against Waris Punjab de. Amritpal Singh fugitive, Police teams are on manhunt. Nine weapons including 8 rifles, one revolver recovered during operation. Situation is under control, citizens requested to not to believe in rumours," the police tweeted.
Meanwhile, news agency ANI reported Central Agency sources as saying that Punjab Police on Sunday arrested Daljeet Singh Kalsi alias Sarabjeet Singh Kalsi, an alleged advisor and financer of 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh.