Associates allege drug abuse by Amritpal in jail

Two associates of Amritpal Singh, pro-Khalistan leader and Khadoor Sahib MP, have reportedly stated during police custody that he consumed drugs while lodged in the Assam’s Dibrugarh jail.

The claim has been mentioned in the police challan submitted in an Ajnala court. Amritpal’s associates, Varinder Singh Fauji and Bhagwant Singh Bajeke, allegedly made these statements.

Amritpal’s legal adviser and Shiromani Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) spokesperson Imaan Singh Khara termed the police statement an attempt to malign Amritpal ahead of the Tarn Taran Assembly bypoll, where his party would field a candidate. Khara said the statements reportedly made by Amritpal’s aides held no legal value, as these were recorded under Section 27 of the Indian Evidence Act and could easily be challenged in the court.

In a telephonic conversation, Bhagwant Singh Bajeke on Tuesday denied having made any such statement, he claimed. Khara alleged cops themselves drafted the statements and forced the accused to sign those. He also pointed out discrepancies in the dates mentioned on the documents.

Khara said the third extension of the National Security Act (NSA) imposed on Amritpal would be challenged in the Supreme Court soon.

Punjab