Headline: Uncovering the Network: The Alleged Association with Radical Sikh Preacher

Through WhatsApp, social media, personal encounters, or job-related interactions, the eight men arrested and incarcerated in Assam’s Dibrugarh jail for their suspected ties with a radical Sikh preacher entered his life at various times and in different ways. The Indian Express gained access to details of their interrogation by central authorities, shedding light on how the men were drawn into the orbit of the self-proclaimed preacher. Here are some key takeaways:

Daljeet Singh Kalsi, also known as Sarabjeet Singh Kalsi, aged 52, believes that Punjab is currently plagued by five issues that need to be addressed, including the sale of liquor, complications in the Sikh marriage act, quota/preference for Punjabi youth in state government jobs, strict laws against sacrilege, and a resolution to the river water dispute.

In 2016-17, Kalsi collaborated with actor-activist Sidhu to make a movie, and although the project did not materialize, the two became friends. Sidhu later called on Kalsi to join the 2020-21 farmers’ protest at Shambhu Border. Kalsi also provided the bail bond for Sidhu when he was arrested by the police in connection with the January 26, 2021 incident at the Red Fort.

In 2022, Kalsi met Amritpal in Dubai, who would go on to become the head of Waris Punjab De after Sidhu’s death. Kalsi revealed that he learned about Amritpal through WhatsApp groups created by Sidhu during the farmers’ protest. Kalsi also disclosed that he had once visited the Counsellor General of Pakistan in Canada to submit a memorandum against the killing of two Sikhs in Pakistan.

Gurinder Pal Singh, also known as Gur Aujila, aged 45, holds a PG Diploma in direction and filmmaking from the National Film and Television School, London. He was in touch with Sidhu after the Red Fort incident and eventually joined Waris Punjab De. He also met Kalsi in the UK in March-April 2022.

Gurmeet Singh, also known as Bukkanwala, aged 37, became friends with Sidhu at the farmers’ protest and allegedly registered the ‘Warris Panj-Aab De Social and Welfare Society’ in Moga. He was also part of the 16-member committee formed by Sidhu to oversee the affairs of Waris Punjab De on January 23, 2022.

Harjit Singh, also known as Jeeta, aged 51, moved to Dubai in 1992 and started working as a laborer. He later started a transport company, where Amritpal would eventually work. Jeeta revealed that Amritpal began writing pro-separatist posts on social media from 2019 and became the chief of Waris Punjab De in 2022. Jeeta was also allegedly involved in mobilizing crowds for the February incident in Punjab’s Ajnala.

Basant Singh Daulatpura, aged 28, moved to Dubai in 2018 and worked in a company there before returning to India the following year. He then worked as a medical representative in a pharma company until 2021. Daulatpura operated the official phone number of Waris Punjab De on Amritpal’s instructions and later worked at drug de-addiction centers in Punjab.

Varinder Singh Johal, aged 32, served in the Army for seven years before being dismissed in 2016 due to a criminal conviction. He then worked as a private security guard before returning to Punjab, where he began following Amritpal through social media and eventually joined Waris Punjab De as a bodyguard.

Bhagwant Singh, also known as Pradhanmantri Bajeke, aged 38, took care of agricultural land in his village and made short videos on TikTok and Facebook. He discovered Amritpal through social media and eventually met him earlier this year.

Kulwant Singh, also known as Rauke, aged 40, was a contingency staff at a thermal plant in Ropar and met Sidhu at the farm protests. He held a grand program to welcome Sidhu in his village and allegedly took part in the Ajnala incident. He also had phone conversations with Amritpal on three occasions.