Booked 27 yrs ago, PO nabbed

Aman Sood

Tribune News Service

Patiala, January 14

In a joint operation, the Patiala police and the intelligence wing today arrested a proclaimed offender (PO) who had been evading arrest for the past over two decades.

The accused, Sandeep Singh alias Bhau, a resident of Multanian village in Bathinda district, was booked in March 1990 under Section 307 (attempt to murder) of the IPC and Section 5 of TADA (Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Prevention Act) at Sadar police station, Patiala.

The police said the PO was allegedly in touch with over two dozen gangsters in Punjab and was considered close to a senior opposition leader who is contesting the upcoming Assembly elections.

Sources said a preliminary investigation revealed that Bhau owned over 100 acres of agriculture land. “His political links helped him remain free for about 25 years,” the sources added.

The police said Bhau was booked after he attacked a police party and left a cop injured in an encounter. He was declared a PO in 1992. Later, he fled to New Zealand and stayed there for a few years before returning to Punjab.

“We have found out that he has links with certain gangs active in Punjab and met many gangsters at his farmhouse in Bathinda,” said SP (Detective) Harwinder Virk.