Guwahati, 8th March: The Dibrugarh Central Jail Superintendent, Nripen Das, was detained by Assam police on Thursday for questioning regarding a major communication network operating from inside the jail. This network, allegedly run by radical pro-Khalistan separatist and self-styled Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh, was uncovered by Assam Police in February this year.
Amritpal Singh, a prominent pro-Khalistan leader arrested in April 2023, has been accused of orchestrating unauthorized activities and maintaining contact with external elements. Following this revelation, Dibrugarh police registered a case, leading to the detention of the jail superintendent for questioning.
Indian intelligence sources suggest Amritpal Singh’s ties to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and his involvement in arming a private militia known as Anandpur Khalsa Fauj (AKF). Despite his incarceration, Singh is believed to have continued his activities, prompting a coordinated effort by state and central authorities to crack down on his network.
Assam Director General of Police (DGP) Gyanendra Pratap Singh revealed that additional surveillance measures were implemented following suspicions of illicit operations within the jail premises. Subsequent searches led to the discovery of various unauthorized devices, including smartphones, keypad phones, spy-cam pens, and more.
Amritpal Singh Sandhu, known for his radical pro-Khalistan stance and self-styled Sikh preaching, returned to Punjab in September 2022, advocating for a sovereign Sikh state called Khalistan.
The discovery of this communication network inside the Dibrugarh Jail underscores the challenges authorities face in combating terrorism and maintaining security within correctional facilities. Investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the network and the source of its support, with stringent measures being taken to prevent any recurrence of such activities.
Meanwhile, Amritpal Singh was admitted to the Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH), along with another aide, due to deteriorating health conditions. Both were suffering from several ailments, including Epilepsy, and were admitted after their health deteriorated on Tuesday night.
Notably, Singh and other detainees launched an indefinite hunger strike inside the Dibrugarh jail starting October 2023, protesting alleged restrictions on their chosen lawyer’s access to them while in custody.
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