Lagatar24 Desk
Lucknow: In a major breakthrough, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) has arrested a Khalistani terrorist who had been absconding for nearly three decades. Mangat Singh alias Manga, a member of the Khalistan Commando Force (KCF), was arrested late Wednesday night from Timowal village in Amritsar.
The joint operation was conducted by the Noida ATS and Ghaziabad Police. Following his arrest, Manga is being brought to Ghaziabad, where he will be interrogated about his Khalistani links, support network, and pending criminal cases.
Manga Was Hiding in Ghaziabad’s Kavinagar
ATS sources revealed that Manga, originally a resident of Khattadia village in Punjab, had been living in hiding in Ghaziabad’s Kavinagar locality. His home in Kavinagar will also be thoroughly searched to uncover further leads and possible accomplices.
Notably, Manga was first arrested in 1993 but went absconding in 1995 after securing bail. A permanent warrant had been issued against him, and he was on the police’s wanted list with a bounty of ₹25,000 on his head.
Serious Charges and Past Records
Manga faces charges under several serious IPC sections including 307 (attempt to murder), 392 (robbery), 411 (dishonestly receiving stolen property), 384 (extortion), and 506 (criminal intimidation). Additionally, cases under TADA and other anti-terrorism laws have been lodged against him in Sahibabad Police Station, Ghaziabad.
Brother Was a Khalistani Leader
Manga’s elder brother, Sangat Singh, was the head of the Khalistan Commando Force and was killed in an encounter with Punjab Police in 1990. The arrest of Manga is being seen as a significant blow to the remaining Khalistan extremist network still believed to be active in pockets of northern India.