WhatsApp Chats Expose Attempt to Kill Amit Shah, Punjab Police Nab Conspirators

New Delhi(The Uttam Hindu): Punjab Police have thwarted a major conspiracy to assassinate Union Home Minister Amit Shah, allegedly plotted by pro-Khalistan elements linked to radical MP Amritpal Singh. Authorities say the plot was uncovered after sensitive messages from WhatsApp groups linked to separatist networks were leaked.

According to police sources, the suspects were reportedly enraged over the recent extension of the National Security Act (NSA) against Amritpal Singh, who remains imprisoned in Dibrugarh Jail, Assam. The leaked chats, which circulated in groups named Waris Punjab De and Akali Dal Moga Jathebandi, also mentioned plans to target Union Minister Ravneet Bittu and senior Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia.

The conspirators accused Bittu of playing a role in Amritpal’s incarceration and alleged that Majithia offered a bounty for his arrest. Shah was targeted for authorizing the extension of NSA for a third time. One of the messages even featured a group member offering to become a "martyr" for the cause.

Following the leak, Punjab Police registered an FIR in Moga and arrested two suspects—a minor from Moga and Balkar Singh from Khanna, Ludhiana. Officials say more arrests are expected soon. The WhatsApp group involved in the planning reportedly had over 600 members, primarily from regions like Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Baba Bakala—areas known for past Khalistani activity.

Punjab DGP and senior police officials have taken the threat seriously, invoking strict sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and relevant provisions under the IT Act. The police are also tracking digital footprints to identify all involved in the plot. Moga SSP Ajay Gandhi stated that the police had been monitoring increased online threats against national leaders since April 20. The situation escalated after the NSA extension for Amritpal Singh was announced on April 19, leading to increased unrest among his followers. Union Minister Ravneet Bittu responded by urging strong action against those involved, while Majithia publicly condemned Amritpal, calling him a threat to national peace and unity.