Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De, underwent cosmetic surgery in Georgia, to resemble Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale before returning to India in August 2020, according to intelligence sources, reported The Indian Express.

Singh’s close aides who are lodged in Dibrugarh Central Jail had revealed this on questioning. “The arrested persons told Intelligence officials that he went to Georgia for a surgery to look like Bhindranwale,” said an officer, adding that they were verifying the details.

Singh has evaded arrest since 18 March, but his close aides, such as uncle Harjit Singh and Daljit Singh Kalsi, were arrested and taken to Dibrugarh. Intelligence officials recently visited and interrogated them.

Singh's sudden appearance as the leader of Waris Punjab De after Punjabi actor and activist Deep Sidhu's death last year has piqued the interest of intelligence agencies.

“The arrested persons said Singh had put up several posts on social media during the farmers’ protest in Delhi, and he was in contact with some people,” said an officer.

Amritpal from Dubai allegedly communicated with Jaswant Singh Rode, brother of Khalistani operative Lakhbir Singh Rode who is suspected to be in Pakistan and militant Paramjit Singh Pamma. Sources also claim that money was received from Pakistan and used to pay off personal debts by the organisation.