India News LIVE: Amritpal Singh was building private militia, reveal sources

Customs raided two flights, one routed from Bangkok-Delhi and another routed from Singapore-Delhi, and seized 28 gold bars worth 1.15 crore. Further probe underway.

Delhi | Customs raided 2 flights, one routed from Bangkok-Delhi & another routed from Singapore-Delhi and seized 28 gold bars worth 1.15 crore. Further probe underway: Customs pic.twitter.com/PGQ8pmpNtg

— ANI (@ANI)

According to sources, Amritpal Singh was allegedly building a private militia against the Punjab government. It has also been revealed that he was stocking weapons from Pakistan.

In an exclusive interview to Republic, Legal advisor of Amritpal Singh, Imaan Singh Khara, on Sunday claimed that Amritpal is under police custody and has filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

On being asked if the Waris Punjab De chief has been arrested, Khara said, "Yes, in my opinion Amritpal Singh has already been arrested."

A woman died after she was hit by a speeding car in Mumbai's Worli area. The driver of the car also got injured and has been detained. Further investigation into the matter is underway. 

Notably, the Worli Police has arrested the accused Sumer Merchant (23) after registering a case under Section 304 of IPC. Police will present the accused driver in court tomorrow.

The woman has been identified as Rajlaxmi Krishnan, a resident of Dadar Matunga in Mumbai. She was the CEO of a technology company.

After Delhi police officials landed at the doorstep of Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi on Sunday seeking details of 'sexually harassed' victims that he mentioned in his speech during Bharat Jodo Yatra, a Twitter war has erupted between the Congress and BJP. In a twitter post, the Congress party posted Rahul Gandhi's picture driving a car, and wrote, "Did you understand Savarkar... the name is Rahul Gandhi."  

सावरकर समझा क्या... नाम- राहुल गांधी है pic.twitter.com/QFGsAJSxeo

— Congress (@INCIndia)

In reply to Congress party's post, Law and Justice minister, Kiren Rijiju, said, "Please don't insult the great soul Veer Savarkar. Praying with folded hands." 

कृपया महान आत्मा वीर सावरकर का अपमान न करें। हाथ जोड़कर विनती कर रहा हूं🙏 pic.twitter.com/sjAzRRQ3N5

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju)

Like-minded Opposition parties are set to meet tomorrow morning in LoP Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge's office in Parliament to chalk out the strategy for the floor of the house. 

In a massive crackdown, as many as seven close-aides of Amritpal, who were arrested earlier by the Punjab police, has been sent to police custody till March 23. On the other hand, the Punjab police has arrested 16 aides of Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal from Bhatinda. 
 

As the mega crackdown on Amritpal Singh's aides continues, the authorities have recovered jackets and weapons from Khalistani supporters, claimed sources. Reportedly, radical preacher Amritpal is also making his own Army, named AKF (Anandpur Khalsa Force). The headquarter of his army is allegedly at  Jallupur Khaira, the native place of Amritpal. 

According to sources, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has submited a preliminary reply to Delhi Police notice on Sunday regarding his Bharat Jodo Yatra speech on 'sexual harassment of women.' In his 4-page and 10-point reply, he questioned process and the procedure adopted by cops 45 days after he made his speech in Srinagar, claimed sources. 

According to reports, as many as 7 close-aides of Amritpal, who were arrested earlier by the Punjab police, has been brought to a court in Beas. 

#UPDATE | Punjab: 7 persons who were arrested in connection with 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh brought to court in Beas pic.twitter.com/EFni7Fp32y

— ANI (@ANI)

BJP national spokesperson, Sambit Patra, said, "A woman is raped and if Rahul Gandhi said this in front of the nation as an MP, then police have right to know this info. Today, police went to his home to deliver a notice and requested him to tell about those women. Now, Cong says democracy is in danger." 

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, while launching a stinging attack on Wayanad MP, said, "If Rahul Gandhi will not give the names of the victim women (of alleged sexual harassment) then how will they get justice? He had also said that he had met militants, then shouldn't he inform the police?" 

According to sources, Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh may have fled the country. The Punjab police have also lodged an FIR against him in the Jalandhar rural area. Reportedly, he has been booked into Arms Act. 

Why is he (Rahul Gandhi) speaking about it (Hindenburg report)? Let SC decide about this. He must apologise in the Parliament for defaming the nation on foreign soil: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

G20 represents a big portion of the world and in front of them, this operation is being conducted. The exposure that big terrorist organizations couldn’t get is being given to separatists in Punjab due to the weakness of Bhagwant Mann stated Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Sunil Jakhar. 

President Droupadi Murmu received a warm traditional welcome from the children and people of Lakshadweep on her first visit to the Union Territory on 18th March.

President Droupadi Murmu received a warm traditional welcome from the children and people of Lakshadweep on her first visit to the Union Territory on 18th March. pic.twitter.com/AYqEZgOOQd

— ANI (@ANI)

"This is police-to-police cooperation," says Assam CM Himanata Biswa Sarma on four suspected close aides of pro-Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh taken to Dibrugarh by Punjab Police

Delhi Police action against Rahul Gandhi worst example of political vendetta: Cong

Tamil Nadu BJP chief K.Annamalai, said, "The level of influence of money in Tamil Nadu elections is becoming unsustainable, we can't have elections like this. Pampering voters with multiple money and gifts cannot bring clean governance in decades." 

Chennai, Tamil Nadu | The level of influence of money in Tamil Nadu elections is becoming unsustainable, we can't have elections like this. Pampering voters with multiple money and gifts cannot bring clean governance in decades: K.Annamalai, State President, Tamil Nadu BJP pic.twitter.com/yCgYOb1ftR

— ANI (@ANI)

Amritpal Singh's friend Daljeet Singh Kalsi arrested from Gurugram (CCTV Footage)

VIDEO | Amritpal Singh's friend Daljeet Singh Kalsi arrested from Gurugram (CCTV Footage) pic.twitter.com/oRj5vCQJHy

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News)

"Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, West Bengal CM Mamata and Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao are making efforts (on their own) to forge an opposition alliance or front to fight against the BJP," says Akhilesh Yadav. 

A video of a shocking incident has surfaced from Delhi where a man was seen beating a woman in the middle of the road and forcefully making her sit in a car. READ FULL STORY HERE. 

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi leaves from his residence after a team of Delhi police led by Special CP (L&O) Sagar Preet Hooda met him to seek information about the 'sexual harassment' victims who met him during Bharat Jodo Yatra.

#WATCH | Congress leader Rahul Gandhi leaves from his residence after a team of Delhi police led by Special CP (L&O) Sagar Preet Hooda met him to seek information about the 'sexual harassment' victims who met him during Bharat Jodo Yatra. pic.twitter.com/4u14OYEc0z

— ANI (@ANI)

One car used in their (Amritpal Singh's) convoy seized, and one Kirpan and a .315 bore weapon with 57 live cartridges were recovered from it. The car was abandoned after use says SSP Jalandhar Rural, Swarndeep Singh. 

A 23-year-old woman allegedly murdered her 55-year-old mother, chopped her body into five pieces and hid the body parts for months in the house. The Kalachowkie Police found the body in Lalbaug-Peru compound area decomposed in a plastic bag in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The deceased was identified as Veena Prakash Jain, who was last seen alive on December 26, said police who inquired the neighbours. READ FULL STORY HERE 

Rahul Gandhi should not apologise for his remark on democracy during his UK visit, says Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut. 

VIDEO | "Rahul Gandhi should not apologise for his remark on democracy during his UK visit," says Shiv Sena (UBT) leader @rautsanjay61. pic.twitter.com/e4aEbdX6P4

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News)

We held a meeting with Rahul Gandhi. He said he needs some time and will give us the information which we've asked for. Today we've served a notice which has been accepted by his office and if questioning needs to be done then we will do it: Special CP(L&O) Sagar Preet Hooda

Madras High Court says election proceedings for the AIADMK's General Secretary post can continue but results couldn't be announced. Justice K Kumaresh Babu of Madras High Court directs AIADMK not to declare results of General Secretary elections till disposal of applications filed by Manoj Pandian & others seeking interim relief; decides to continue arguments on the interim plea on March 22. 

Notably, A petition was filed in the Madras High Court yesterday by the OPS faction against the election to the post of AIADMK's general secretary. HC is likely to hear the petition today on an urgent basis. AIADMK is scheduled to hold the election for the post of general secretary on March 26.

Delhi Police going to Rahul Gandhi's residence reminds me of the times of Indira Gandhi. Today's incident is not an ordinary episode. People of the country are watching it and will not forgive you. They are fascist people: Rajasthan CM & Congress leader Ashok Gehlot

"What's their agenda is not clear," says Congress leader Arvinder Lovely on Delhi Police team arriving at Rahul Gandhi's residence on Sunday.

VIDEO | "What's their agenda is not clear," says Congress leader @ArvinderLovely on Delhi Police team arriving at Rahul Gandhi's residence on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/Hf7eaR77LA

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News)

"We are going to hold talks," says Special CP(L&O) Sagar Preet Hooda at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's residence.

Delhi | "We are going to hold talks," says Special CP(L&O) Sagar Preet Hooda at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's residence. pic.twitter.com/V5R7cIrp6P

— ANI (@ANI)

On March 17, a bomb threat e-mail was received on the DIAL GMR feedback portal. According to the mail on Aeroflot flight SU232, there is a bomb in a soda can that will explode mid-flight. Police registered an FIR u/s 182/341/505(1)b/507 of IPC at IGI Airport PS. Probe underway says Delhi Police. 

A team of Punjab police comprising SP Tejbir Singh Hundal brings four suspects to Assam's Dibrugarh " There are 4 people. We will tell their names later," says SP Tejbir Singh Hundal.

A team of Punjab police comprising SP Tejbir Singh Hundal brings four suspects to Assam's Dibrugarh

" There are 4 people. We will tell their names later," says SP Tejbir Singh Hundal. pic.twitter.com/KiXx89Vtu3

— ANI (@ANI)

On 18th March, at about 1830 hrs, jawans of ICP Petrapole, 145 Battalion under South Bengal Frontier apprehended a smuggler posing as a truck driver along with 40 biscuits of gold weighing 4667 grams at the International Border. The total value of the seized gold is over Rs 2 crores.

West Bengal | On 18th March, at about 1830 hrs, jawans of ICP Petrapole, 145 Battalion under South Bengal Frontier apprehended a smuggler posing as a truck driver along with 40 biscuits of gold weighing 4667 grams at the International Border. The total value of the seized gold is… https://t.co/eL07bdCoo8 pic.twitter.com/0BpdArImwM

— ANI (@ANI)

No Opposition front to take on BJP in 2024 polls is possible without Congress: Jairam Ramesh to PTI. 

"Strengthened Congress necessary for any Opposition alliance, but party's priority right now is upcoming assembly polls," he added. 

VIDEO | Four arrested aides of Amritpal Singh were brought to Dibrugarh today. pic.twitter.com/UF56kpm9xn

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News)

Punjab Police and Rapid Action Force conduct flag march in Jalandhar as efforts are underway to nab pro-Khalistan "Waris Punjab De" chief Amritpal Singh

#WATCH Punjab Police and Rapid Action Force conduct flag march in Jalandhar as efforts are underway to nab pro-Khalistan "Waris Punjab De" chief Amritpal Singh pic.twitter.com/qziNjIVgRG

— ANI (@ANI)

"He was chased by police for about 20-25 kms but he managed to escape. We've recovered a no. of weapons & 2 cars also seized. Search underway & we'll arrest him soon. Law & order will be maintained," says Jalandhar CP KS Chahal in a statement on 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh. 

At least 12 passengers were injured after a private bus fell off a small bridge in Pune city of Maharashtra, officials said on Sunday.

"Our judiciary is being threatened, if country’s Law Minister says "if you don’t do what we say, we will see to it” What does this mean? Justice Chandrachud says that there’s no pressure on judiciary, but there is pressure," says Sanjay Raut from Uddhav Thackeray Faction. 

Mumbai | Our judiciary is being threatened, if country’s Law Minister says "if you don’t do what we say, we will see to it” What does this mean? Justice Chandrachud says that there’s no pressure on judiciary, but there is pressure: Sanjay Raut, Uddhav Thackeray Faction pic.twitter.com/iD59y7JLVh

— ANI (@ANI)

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inspects Ram temple construction. Women sing as the CM visits Ram Temple in Ayodhya ahead of Navaratri.

#BREAKING | Women sing as Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath visits Ram Temple in Ayodhya ahead of Navaratri. #RamMandir #Ayodhya #YogiAdityanath

Tune in to watch - https://t.co/ge3J2OW61a pic.twitter.com/KC3HC5biim

— Republic (@republic)

Delhi police officials have reached the residence of Rahul Gandhi on Sunday morning. The cops are at the Congress leader's residence to secure details about the allegations of sexual assault Gandhi had referred to during a speech while he was on the Bharat Jodo Yatra. 

Delhi | Special CP (L&O) Sagar Preet Hooda arrives at the residence of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in connection with the notice that was served to him by police to seek information on the 'sexual harassment' victims that he mentioned in his speech during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. pic.twitter.com/WCAKxLdtZJ

— ANI (@ANI)

"We've come here to talk to him. Rahul Gandhi gave a statement in Srinagar on Jan 30 that during Yatra he met several women & they told him that they had been raped...We're trying to get details from him so that justice can be given to victims," said Special CP (L&O) SP Hooda. 

#WATCH | We've come here to talk to him. Rahul Gandhi gave a statement in Srinagar on Jan 30 that during Yatra he met several women & they told him that they had been raped...We're trying to get details from him so that justice can be given to victims: Special CP (L&O) SP Hooda pic.twitter.com/XDHru2VUMJ

— ANI (@ANI)

Special CP(L&O) Sagar Preet Hooda arrives at the residence of the Congress MP. 

#WATCH| Delhi: Special CP(L&O) Sagar Preet Hooda arrives at the residence of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in connection with the notice that was served to him by police to seek information on the 'sexual harassment' victims that he mentioned in his speech during the Bharat Jodo Yatra pic.twitter.com/G7r2txze67

— ANI (@ANI)

"It has been 45 days since Bharat Jodo Yatra ended. They (Delhi police) are going for questioning after 45 days. If they are so much concerned why didn't they go to him in February? Rahul Gandhi's legal team will respond to it as per law," said Congress leader Jairam Ramesh. 

A woman from Maharashtra died after she was hit by a speeding car in Mumbai's Worli area. The driver of the car also got injured and has been detained. Further investigation into the matter is underway: Worli police

All mobile internet services, all SMS services (except banking & mobile recharge) & all dongle services provided on mobile networks, except the voice call, in the territorial jurisdiction of Punjab suspended till March 20 (12:00 hours) in the interest of public safety stated Dept of Home Affairs & Justice, Govt of Punjab. 

"I am feeling glad to meet the youths of the nation through video conferencing. I congratulate Tejasvi Surya and Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha for this National Youth Parliament. Youth's involvement will increase in matters of the nation through this Youth Parliament," said BJP National President JP Nadda. 

I am feeling glad to meet the youths of the nation through video conferencing. I congratulate Tejasvi Surya and Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha for this National Youth Parliament. Youth's involvement will increase in matters of the nation through this Youth Parliament: BJP National… https://t.co/2G85UgOC07 pic.twitter.com/7K6HiXDJTN

— ANI (@ANI)

Two cars collided on the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh on March 18. Eight people, including two children, were injured in the accident. 

VIDEO | On Saturday night, two cars collided on the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Eight people, including two children, were injured in the accident. (Disturbing Visuals) pic.twitter.com/OgxnZTJNUW

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News)

Six people including one child and a woman killed whereas three injured after a van collided with a lorry on Trichy-Salem NH near Tiruvasi in Trichy District in the early hours. All the injured shifted to Trichy govt hospital and dead bodies sent for autopsy, said Sujith Kumar, SP, Trichy. 

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a caveat application in the Supreme Court on the Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC K Kavitha’s plea challenging the summons issued by the probe agency against her in connection to Delhi excise policy case.

A 40-year-old woman who had gone to defecate in a forest here in Nagina town's Kaziwala village was killed by a leopard, a forest officer said on Sunday.

Daljeet Singh Kalsi alias Sarabjeet Singh Kalsi, an alleged advisor and financer of 'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh, has been arrested according to Central Agency sources cited by ANI. 

Amritpal Singh's car, an SUV, recovered. The Waris Punjab De chief fled leaving his car behind. A massive manhunt has been launched in the state.

#BREAKING | Amritpal Singh's car, an SUV, recovered. The Waris Punjab De chief fled leaving his car behind. A massive manhunt has been launched in the state. #AmritpalSingh#Punjab
Tune in to watch - https://t.co/ge3J2OW61a pic.twitter.com/gq9lcYZb4k

— Republic (@republic)

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma along with his cabinet will visit National War Memorial, Police War Memorial and Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya today

Assam government has suspended an IAS officer in connection with a case of financial irregularities and misappropriation of fund. The suspended IAS officer has been identified as Sewali Devi Sharma, Secretary to the Assam government, Agriculture Department: Assam govt

There will be some traffic diversions in Noida on March 19 from 5 am to 10 am because of a planned cyclothon. The diversions will be largely for those commuters intending to use the Elevated Road that connects traffic between Sector 71 on one side and the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway on the other. Commuters can go through the advisory issued by the Noida Traffic Police. 

🚨 यातायात एडवाइजरी🚨
दिनांक 19.03.2023 को HCL Corporation Private Ltd द्वारा HCL Cyclothon 2023 के आयोजन के दृष्टिगत यातायात का प्रबंधन/डायवर्जन!
यातायात हेल्पलाइन नं0- 9971009001 pic.twitter.com/lB2DsS18QW

— Noida Traffic Police (@noidatraffic)

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inspects New Delhi-Ajmer Shatabdi Express and takes feedback from passengers. It is a Superfast Express train of the Shatabdi Express category belonging to Indian Railways – Northern Railway zone that runs between New Delhi and Ajmer in India.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inspects New Delhi-Ajmer Shatabdi Express and takes feedback from passengers. pic.twitter.com/oLKGg33IUQ

— ANI (@ANI)

"Passengers have given positive feedback. They told that trains are more clean than earlier, they are on time, platforms are clean...Two initiatives to be taken in this route. First increasing speed on this route by making certain changes in the track. Secondly, pantograph trains (Vande Bharat) will soon run between Delhi-Jaipur on this track after trials and testing," said Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. 

Properties worth lakhs of rupees were gutted in a massive fire that broke out at a market area in Assam’s Kokrajhar district on Sunday. “The incident took place at Hauriapet market area near Gossaigaon in Kokrajhar district where at least 12-15 shops and business establishments were gutted in the blaze”, Nur Mohammad, president of Hauriapet market management committee said.

Punjab Police personnel deployed outside ‘Waris Punjab De’ chief Amritpal Singh's residence in Jallupur Khera village, Amritsar. The police search operations are now mainly focused in Jalandhar district from where he managed to give the police a slip when it tried to intercept his vehicle to arrest him. READ FULL STORY HERE