Punjab: After massive protest, Punjab Police says pro-Khalistan group aide innocent, to be released
Amritsar (Punjab): The Punjab Police has decided to release Lovepreet Toofan, the close aide of pro-Khalistan group 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh.
A massive crowd of supporters of the group went on a rampage with swords and guns and broke police barricades erected outside Ajnala Police Station in Amritsar.
Senior Superintendent of Police told news agency ANI that Lovepreet will be discharged considering the evidence produced before the police. “SIT constituted to investigate the case,” he added.
They have given enough proof that he (detained Lovepreet Toofan) is innocent. SIT has taken cognizance of it. These people will peacefully disperse now and the law will take its own course: Commissioner of Police Amritsar pic.twitter.com/5N8n4xNj4H
— ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2023
According to the report, the SSP said enough evidence has been provided to prove that Lovepreet is innocent.
“The SIT has taken cognizance. These people [the protesters] will now peacefully disperse and the law will take its own course in the matter,” he was quoted as saying by ANI.
Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) leader Harpal Singh Blair said the administration accepted that Lovepreet was innocent and he will be released tomorrow. The FIR against him will be also withdrawn.
'Waris Punjab De' is a radical group founded by activist Deep Sandhu, who died in a road accident in February last year.
"The FIR was registered only with a political motive. If they don't cancel the case in one hour, the administration will be responsible for whatever happens next. They think we can't do anything, so this show of strength was necessary," Amritpal Sing told the news agency ANI.
He claimed false reports were being circulated that policemen were injured in the clashes. At least 10-12 supporters of the group sustained injuries, he went on to claim while warning the administration that they wouldn’t wait even for 24 hours for Toofan’s release.
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