Punjab Police has made a significant breakthrough in the murder case of Gurpreet Singh, the former cashier of the pro-Khalistan outfit ‘Waris Punjab De’ (WPD), who was shot dead on October 9, 2024, in Faridkot.

The state Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Friday revealed that the mastermind behind the crime is gangster-turned-terrorist Arshdeep Singh, alias Arsh Dalla. In a further twist, evidence has surfaced implicating Amritpal Singh, the ‘jailed’ Khalistani sympathizer, Khadoor Sahib MP, and WPD’s current head, in the conspiracy.

Gurpreet Singh, also known as ‘Hari Nau’ or ‘Bhodi’, was killed while riding his motorcycle back home from a local gurdwara. Tensions had been brewing within WPD after differences arose between Amritpal Singh and Gurpreet following the death of WPD founder Deep Sidhu. Gurpreet had publicly voiced his opposition to Amritpal on social media, which led to threats against him.

DGP Yadav, in a press conference, detailed how the police had meticulously gathered evidence, including extensive analysis of CCTV footage along a 125-km stretch, to trace the movements of the assailants. The police also used mobile tower dumps and advanced big data tools to analyze the digital footprint of those involved. The investigation team, which included officials from Faridkot and the State Special Operations Cell, worked diligently to piece together the various elements of the conspiracy.

According to DGP Yadav, three individuals linked to the reccee (surveillance) module were arrested — Bilal Ahmed alias Fauji, Guramardeep Singh alias Pontu, and Arshdeep Singh alias Jhandu. These individuals, managed by Canada-based handler Karamveer Singh alias Gora, conducted surveillance on Gurpreet Singh and passed the information to the shooter module. The killers’ identities have been established, and the police are actively searching for them, he said.

The involvement of Amritpal Singh came to light during the investigation, with recorded statements suggesting that the murder was carried out at his behest. This revelation has sent shockwaves across Punjab, where the WPD movement has previously attracted controversy. Amritpal Singh’s role as the key figure in WPD has already been scrutinized for his controversial actions and rhetoric, but this murder accusation could have far-reaching legal and political consequences.

DGP Yadav emphasized that the murder was part of a larger conspiracy. According to police findings, there were plans to target other individuals as well, and this wider plot is still under investigation. He reassured the public that the police are determined to ensure the safety and security of the State and will continue to investigate all angles of the case.

“Our commitment to making Punjab a safe and secure state is unwavering,” DGP Yadav said, noting that the police had acted swiftly in this case, using both physical and digital evidence. The DGP stressed that law and order would be maintained, and no person or group would be allowed to disturb Punjab’s peace and harmony.

The case, registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act, marks another instance of the Punjab Police’s ongoing battle against organized crime and terrorism. The involvement of foreign handlers, including those based in Canada, highlights the transnational nature of the conspiracy.

As investigations continue, more arrests are expected, and the police remain focused on uncovering the full scope of this complex crime.