In a startling development that has rocked Punjab’s political scene, Harpreet Singh — the brother of pro-Khalistan ideologue and ‘jailed’ Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh — was apprehended at a checkpoint in Phillaur, Jalandhar, on the charges of drug possession. The arrest has ignited a fierce debate, with accusations of political conspiracy flying from the family and supporters of Amritpal Singh, who is known for his controversial and radical stance.

The dramatic arrest unfolded during a routine check when Harpreet Singh, accompanied by his associate Lovepreet Singh from Cheema Bath village, was found in possession of four grams of methamphetamine, commonly referred to as ‘ice’.

Jalandhar Rural Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ankur Gupta, confirming the arrests, revealed that both individuals tested positive for drugs and had allegedly procured the substance from Sandeep Arora — a Ludhiana resident — who was also taken into custody.

The immediate aftermath of the arrest saw a vehement denial from Tarsem Singh, father of Amritpal and Harpreet Singh, who condemned the charges as “a deliberate attempt to smear their family’s reputation”.

“The Government is trying to tarnish our image because of our anti-drug campaign in Punjab,” alleged Tarsem Singh, while further accusing the authorities of targeting Harpreet to stifle their efforts against drug abuse in the State.

Amritpal Singh, currently lodged in Assam’s Dibrugarh jail facing the stringent National Security Act (NSA), first rose to prominence for his strong anti-drug stance under his outfit ‘Waris Punjab De’. He opened a de-addiction center in his village, Jallupur Khera, and launched several initiatives against substance abuse. However, his activities took a controversial turn when he began making provocative pro-Khalistan statements, which escalated tensions with the state authorities.

Last year, Amritpal and his supporters clashed with police at the Ajnala police station while attempting to free an associate from custody. This incident led to his arrest and the filing of multiple charges, including anti-national activities. Currently, Amritpal is detained Assam’s Dibrugarh jail under the NSA. Despite his incarceration, he won the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate from Khadoor Sahib, defeating Congress candidate Kulbir Singh Zira by a significant margin.

The legal proceedings following Harpreet's arrest have added fuel to the controversy. During a court hearing, the Phillaur court denied the police's request for a three-day remand and instead sent Harpreet, Lovepreet, and Sandeep Arora to 14-day judicial custody. This decision has further bolstered claims of a political conspiracy, with many questioning the motives behind the arrests.

Amritpal’s lawyer, Imaan Singh, has been vocal about the alleged political pressure behind the case. “The ruling Aam Aadmi Party is engaging in vindictive politics to undermine Amritpal’s influence in Punjab,” he said, while criticizing the police’s focus on what he described as a minor drug seizure, highlighting that the case against Harpreet Singh was built on just four grams of methamphetamine.

The implications of Harpreet Singh’s arrest are far-reaching, especially given Amritpal’s contentious position in Punjab's political arena. Known for his radical pro-Khalistan rhetoric, Amritpal’s actions have often placed him at odds with the authorities. His anti-drug campaigns, which gained significant traction among the youth, have now come under scrutiny due to his brother’s arrest on drug charges.

SSP Gupta said that at the time of arrest, the accused were found preparing to consume the drugs in a vehicle with tinted windows, and the seizure included paraphernalia such as lighters and foil.

Adding to the controversy, Amritpal’s family has publicly decried the arrest as a “government stunt”. They argued that the timing and circumstances of Harpreet’s detention are suspicious, pointing out that Harpreet was supposed to attend a protest march for the release of Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners) in Moga on the day of his arrest. They question how he ended up in Phillaur and suggest that the arrest was orchestrated to prevent his participation in the march.