In a significant development, Punjab Police have accused former British Army soldier Jagjit Singh, also known by the alias Fateh Singh Baagi, of orchestrating his own terrorist organization, the Akaljot Khalistan Force (AKF). This revelation comes amidst heightened security operations targeting Khalistani factions in the region.
Jagjit Singh, 37, hailing from Mianpur village in Tarn Taran, has been a central figure in the Bakshiwala police station attack case. According to police reports, Singh not only leads the AKF but also maintains affiliations with the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF), a banned militant group. This dual association underscores the complex network of extremist activities currently under scrutiny by law enforcement agencies.
Yesterday, a joint operation by Punjab and Uttar Pradesh police forces in Pilibhit resulted in the elimination of three KZF operatives, signaling a robust crackdown on militant activities. Authorities claim that Singh, operating under the pseudonym Fateh Singh Baagi, has a history of involvement in terrorism, with prior bookings in two separate terrorism-related cases.
Jagjit Singh’s background reveals a stark contrast to his alleged activities. His father, Joginder Singh, an ex-serviceman residing in Mianpur, shared with The Tribune that the family has a storied legacy of contributing to India’s freedom struggle and serving in the Indian Army. Joginder distanced himself from his son’s actions, noting that Jagjit married outside the family caste while in England, severing traditional ties.
Investigations indicate that Singh’s role extends beyond mere recruitment. Police reports suggest he has been involved in devising radical strategies aimed at destabilizing communal harmony by targeting religious leaders. In 2011, he was charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and declared a Person of Interest (POI) in subsequent terrorism cases.
The web of Singh’s connections is extensive, linking him to notorious terrorists such as Ranjeet Singh Neeta and UK-based operative Paramjit Singh Pamma. Authorities are actively pursuing leads to determine his current location. Recent intelligence points to Singh’s operatives executing petrol bomb attacks on the residences of specific community leaders in Ludhiana this October, along with a series of blasts across the state since November 2023.
Notably, Singh and Neeta have publicly claimed responsibility for these attacks, further cementing their roles in the region’s militant landscape. The Punjab Police continue to intensify their efforts to dismantle the AKF and KZF networks, aiming to restore peace and security in the state.
As the investigation unfolds, the community remains on edge, grappling with the implications of Singh’s alleged activities and the broader threat posed by extremist factions. Authorities urge vigilance and cooperation from the public to aid in curbing the resurgence of such terror outfits.
