Chandigarh: Days after facing controversy over his purported remarks linking Pakistan ISI-backed terror modules busted by the Punjab Police with protesters at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar was transferred on Friday.

Bhullar has been replaced by Deputy Inspector General (Border Range) Harmanbir Singh Gill, who has been given the additional charge of Amritsar Police Commissioner.

Transfer follows controversy over press briefing

According to an official order, Bhullar has been directed to report to the office of the Director General of Police (DGP) in Chandigarh.

The transfer comes days after the Amritsar Commissionerate Police busted two ISI-backed cross-border terror modules, arresting nine people, including four juveniles. Police also recovered three illegal pistols, nine cartridges and four petrol-bottle bombs.

Punjab Police clarifies remarks on Jantar Mantar

Following the circulation of edited videos from Bhullar’s August 4 press briefing, a Punjab Police spokesperson clarified that the officer had not linked the Jantar Mantar protesters with the arrested terror suspects.

The spokesperson said Bhullar had stated that some accused conducted reconnaissance at Jantar Mantar and planned to target protesters using petrol bombs. However, he never claimed that the arrested individuals had participated in the protests or that the protesters were connected to the terror module.

Punjab Police alleged that selectively edited videos and misleading captions created a false impression and said legal action is being initiated under the provisions of the Information Technology Act.

Political reactions emerge

According to the Punjab Police, preliminary investigations found that the accused were allegedly acting on the instructions of foreign-based ISI handlers to recruit local youth, conduct surveillance of security installations, procure illegal weapons and disturb public peace.

Reacting to Bhullar’s transfer, former Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu questioned the timing of the move, suggesting that the officer’s revelations regarding the alleged Jantar Mantar plot may have led to the decision.

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