The Punjab Police on Friday urged people not to fall for rumours and fake news pertaining to the surrender of pro-Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh. The police dismissed a report that said Amritpal Singh, on the run since March 18, would surrender today. Responding to the report, Punjab Police, in a tweet wrote, "This is a fake news and factually incorrect. Please fact-check news before sharing. Don't spread rumours and fake news." This comes after the Police previously stepped up security in and around Amritsar and Bathinda amid reports that Amritpal Singh may surrender after entering any of the two Sikh shrines - Golden Temple in Amritsar and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib in Bathinda.
The police denied the speculation of Amritpal Singh surrendering today.
The accompanying message written in Punjabi reads: "Fake news and speculations are being spread on social media to affect Punjab's peace and harmony. We advise you to stay away from those spreading rumours and also verify any news before sharing it on social media."
Amid speculations that the radical preacher is likely to surrender at Amritsar's Golden Temple, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Law and Order, Parminder Singh Bhandal said last Saturday that if the fugitive Khalistani leader wants to surrender, they will facilitate the same in accordance with the law. "We are continuously working to ensure the safety and security of people in Amritsar. Right now, we are more focused on managing traffic as Baisakhi is around the corner. If Amritpal wants to surrender, we are ready to help him do that in accordance with the law," he said, as quoted by news agency ANI.
Previously, in a video, the fugitive pro-Khalistan preacher said he was not like those who would flee the country. "One has to face a lot during the days of rebellion… These days of rebellion are difficult to pass," he said.
"I want to tell the government that I did not fear them before and I don't fear them now. Whatever they have to do they may do... I cannot even think of becoming a fugitive," Amritpal Singh said, adding that he was not afraid of getting arrested.
Amritpal Singh remains untraceable since March 18, when he gave the slip to a police dragnet in Jalandhar, switching cars and changing appearances.