Batala police attach properties of KLF activists
Sending a clear signal that the Batala district police is going all out in its fight against terror, the cops have attached properties owned by activists of the banned Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) who were responsible for the infamous Batala shootout case in which a Shiv Sena leader Rajiv Mahajan along with some of his relatives was attacked.
The shootout had taken place on June 24 last year, sparking widespread condemnation from peace -loving residents. After investigations, it became clear that Inderjit Singh Bajwa had planned and executed the attack in collaboration with one Ranjodh Singh alias Baba who is based in Canada and Jashanpreet Singh, both of whom are KLF operatives.
The incident had occurred at Neelam TV Centre in the heart of the city. Rajiv Mahajan, his uncle and his cousin were seriously injured.
SSP Suhail Qasim Mir said the police had invoked Section 25 (1) of the UAPA [Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967] to attach the properties. He added that whenever this section of UAPA is invoked, the orders to confiscate properties are given by the DGP.
The SSP said that Inderjit Singh Bajwa, a key member of KLF and a habitual offender, was identified as the prime conspirator. Bajwa had planned the crime in conjunction with Ranjodh Singh Baba and Jashanpreet Singh.
“The three had orchestrated the crime to avenge the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. A .32-bore pistol, magazines, ammunition and communication devices were recovered from the accused, along with evidence of monetary transactions for facilitating the operation,” he added.
An officer said a 32-marla house located in the Red Line area of Raishiana village, Tarn Taran, belonging to Inderjit Singh and his father Kulwant Singh, was found to have been used for terrorist activities. “This property has now been attached under UAPA provisions,” he said.
SSP Qasim Mir added that some agricultural land registered in the name of Jashanpreet Singh, too, was attached.
Sources say the police investigation had unearthed a broader network of accused individuals, including Dalbir Singh alias Jassa, Lakhwinder Singh, Dev Singh, Jagdish Singh and Amit. These operatives were part of a transnational syndicate with connections in Canada and were instrumental in carrying out acts of terror in Punjab.
At that time, Ranjodh Singh had claimed responsibility on social media platforms. “The attachment of properties sends a strong message to individuals and organisations involved in anti-national activities. We remain committed to dismantling terror networks and ensuring peace in the state,” said the SSP.
