PUNJAB: A group of gun-toting men in police uniforms stormed Punjab’s Nabha Central Jail in early this morning and freed two terrorists — including the head of Khalistan Liberation Force, terrorist Harminder Singh Mintoo — and four criminals. A man has been arrested from Uttar Pradesh for allegedly aiding the jailbreak.
Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal, who visited the jail to assess the situation, said a special task force has been formed to investigate the matter. “We will catch them. Strict action will be taken against whoever is responsible,” he said.
Punjab has been put on high alert. Neighbouring Haryana, Himachal Pradesh have also been alerted.
The men, who reached the Nabha prison in two cars, attacked a guard with a knife and forced their way into the prison. They reportedly fired more than 100 rounds. Two policemen have been injured in the attack.
The Punjab government has announced a reward of Rs. 25 lakh for any information on them and a probe by a Special Task Force has been launched. A police officer in charge of the state’s jails was suspended. The Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent of Nabha Central Jail have been sacked.
(Bureau Report)
