Punjab politics has heated up following the removal of Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar. The BJP has questioned the timing of his transfer, asking whether this action was taken in light of his statement regarding a terrorist module.
Knews Desk – The Punjab government has removed Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar from his post. According to an order issued by the Home Department on August 7, DIG Border Range Harmanbir Singh has been given additional charge of Amritsar Police Commissioner. Bhullar has been asked to report to the DGP’s office until further orders. An order regarding his new posting will be issued later.
Bhullar’s transfer comes at a time when the Amritsar Police busted an alleged Pakistan-backed terrorist module, arresting nine people. Four of the arrested suspects are said to be minors. Questions have been raised about the removal of the Police Commissioner just days after this action.
What the Police Commissioner Said About Jantar Mantar
Amritsar Police made several important claims regarding the alleged terrorist module in a briefing on August 4. According to Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, the investigation revealed that some of the accused were in contact with ISI handlers based abroad and were tasked with monitoring security locations.
The police claimed that some of the arrested accused had visited Jantar Mantar in Delhi. It is alleged that they conducted a recce there and planned to target security personnel deployed at the protest site with petrol bombs. The police also reported the recovery of three pistols, nine live cartridges, and four petrol bombs in this case.
Punjab Government Clarifies Statement
The Police Commissioner’s statement sparked a political controversy regarding the ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar. Following this, the Punjab government issued a clarification.
The government stated that the Police Commissioner had not stated that the arrested accused were involved in the ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar. According to the government, selective editing of his statement created the false impression that there was a connection between the protesters and the alleged terrorist module.
BJP attacks the timing of the transfer
The BJP has now targeted the Punjab government over the transfer of the Police Commissioner. Former Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has questioned whether Bhullar was transferred after he made claims related to the terrorist module and Jantar Mantar.
The BJP has demanded that the government clarify why such action was taken at a time when the Amritsar Police had carried out a major operation against an alleged Pakistan-backed terrorist network.
At present, the government has not publicly stated any specific reason for Bhullar’s removal. Consequently, the timing of his transfer has intensified rhetoric in Punjab politics.