Maharashtra ATS arrests two Khalistan supporters

The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Maharashtra Police have arrested two sympathisers of the Khalistan movement, one from Pune and another from Punjab, an official said Monday.

They were in touch with Khalistani separatists in Pakistan and elsewhere, the police official said.

Harpal Singh Nagra (42), a Karnataka resident, was arrested from Chakan in Pune district on December 2 under the Arms Act for illegal possession of a country-made pistol and five live rounds.

His interrogation revealed that he was a supporter of independent Khalistan and was involved in procuring arms through the Internet and radicalisation of the youth through social media, the official said.

Acting on the information provided by Nagra, the ATS arrested another person from Punjab and he will be brought to Mumbai for further investigation, the official said.

The second accused's name was not disclosed by the police.

The ATS has pressed section 20 (being a member of terrorist gang) of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) against Nagra.

Nagra was produced before a court in Mumbai Monday where he was sent in ATS custody till December 17, the officer said.