Delhi Police have arrested Iqbal Singh, a key suspect in the Red Fort violence case, from Punjab. Singh is the third person to be arrested after Sukhdev Singh and Deep Sidhu. There are the eight key suspects named in the case by the Delhi Police.
According to a report in The Hindustan Times, Iqbal Singh was arrested from Hoshiyarpur in Punjab on the night of February 9. The news was made public on Wednesday, February 10 by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP- Special Cell) Sanjeev Kumar Yadav.
A leading figure behind the break-in and ensuing violence at Red Fort, was carrying a reward of Rs. 50,000/- on his arrest..
Has been an avid propagator of banned SFJ’s ‘Referendum 2020’..
— Special Cell, Delhi Police (@CellDelhi) February 10, 2021
The Special Cell stated that Singh “had instigated the rioters to force their way into Red Fort and had threatened to use weapons against security personnel deployed at its gate.” The Police had also announced a Rs 50,000 reward for information leading to Singh’s arrest. According to the HT report, Delhi Police had identified Singh as the one who allegedly did a “Facebook Live” from the Red Fort during the violence on Republic Day, January 26, 2021. Singh was accused of instigating the crowds, and police stated that his presence at Red Fort was confirmed with the Facebook Live telecast, as well as other video footage in which he can be seen, stated HT, quoting police sources.
The crime branch team arrested Sukhdev Singh from Chandigarh on Sunday reported HT. He also carried a reward of Rs 50,000. Those still absconding are Jugraj Singh, who has been identified as the one who allegedly hoisted a religious flag on the ramparts of the Red Fort, Gurjit Singh, Gurjant Singh, Buta Singh, and Jajbir Singh. Gurjot and Gurjant carry a Rs1 lakh reward each for their arrest while there is a Rs 50,000 reward each for information leading to the arrest of Buta, Jajbir and Jugraj, stated the news report, adding that total of 44 cases have been registered and 133 people have been arrested so far, in connection with the Republic Day violence.
Actor Deep Sidhu was arrested from Haryana’s Karnal district around 36 hours before this latest arrest, and not Punjab as early reports had mentioned. Sidhu was arrested by the SWR Range of the Special Cell. The police accused him of being a “prominent player behind Republic Day violence,” adding that he was “instigating youngsters with his provocative speeches and stardom even when he was hiding from the law.”
@HMOIndia @LtGovDelhi @CPDelhi
On the run after show-biz at Red Fort rampart, actor Deep Sidhu arrested..
Was a prominent player behind Republic Day violence..
Had been instigating youngsters with his provocative speeches and stardom even when he was hiding from the law..
— Special Cell, Delhi Police (@CellDelhi) February 9, 2021
Details have also emerged on how Deep Sindhu was arrested near the Karnal Bypass, where he was reportedly “waiting for a car arranged by his friend to leave for Bihar’s Purnea and meet his wife.” Even on the run from police, Deep Sidhu continued to defend himself in multiple social media posts, ranting against the Punjabi community who he claimed had disowned him for his actions. Most farmers who took part in the peaceful Kisan Ganatantra Parade, or farmers republic parade, had also condemned the events that unfolded at Red Fort and ITO.
Related:
Deep Sidhu arrested by Delhi Police Special Cell
Mahapanchayats getting bigger, bolder
Another death by suicide at Tikri border, death toll reaches 214