The Punjab Police has reportedly arrested Papalpreet Singh, a close aide of fugitive pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, from Hoshiarpur area of the state, reports said quoting police sources.

According to reports quoting police sources, Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh and his aide Papalpreet Singh had been hiding from the police by taking refuge in different Deras in various districts of Amritsar, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur.

Police sources revealed that the fugitive duo took shelter at different Deras in Phagwara town, Nadlon village and Bibi village.

On Sunday, the Punjab Police said it has tightened security arrangements ahead of Baisakhi celebrations in the state as rumors persist that Amritpal Singh may appear before a congregation during the festival.

Additional Director General of Police, Surinder Pal Singh Parmar said security has been heightened in Bathinda following the Waris Punjab De chief’s call to his followers to spread the word for the big congregation on Baisakhi to discuss issues before the Sikh community.

The senior officer said that heightened security is a positive message that situation is normal in Punjab and no restrictions have been imposed so as to facilitate visitors to the state during Baisakhi season.

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Last week, Punjab Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), Parminder Singh Bhandal said if Amritpal Singh wishes to surrender at Amritsar’s Golden Temple, the police will help him to do so in accordance with the law.

A crackdown was launched to nab the self-styled Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh after the Waris Punjab De chief and his supporters armed with swords and guns, stormed a police station in Ajnala on the outskirts of Amritsar city last month and clashed with police for the release of one of his aides Lovepreet Singh Toofan.

On March 18, nearly three weeks after the incident, the Punjab Police launched a massive manhunt to nab the radical Sikh preacher and his associates.

In a video message, the fugitive separatist leader urged Sikhs across the world to unite for a “larger cause”. Reports quoting sources had claimed the video was allegedly shot in Uttar Pradesh.

Rumors are rife that Amritpal may surrender on Baisakhi eve at the Akal Takht at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Takht Damdama Sahib in Bathinda or Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib in Punjab’s Rupnagar district.

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