KLF chief gets seven-year RI

Fatehgarh Sahib, Oct 23 (UNI) A local court today awarded seven years' Rigorous Imprisonment to Harnek Singh alias Bhap, a dreaded terrorist and self-styled chief of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF).

The court of Sessions Judge also slapped a fine of Rs 5,000 on Bhap, who would have to further undergo RI for six months in default of the payment.

A case under section 25 of the Arms Act and under section 4 of the Explosive Substance Act was registered against Bhap at Sirhind police station for possessing a revolver, AK-56 rifle and live cartridges, three empty magazines, hand granades and RDX.

The Judge observed that the prosecution had been able to prove the charges framed against the accused.

The period of detention already undergone by Bhap during enquiry, investigation and trial of the case, would be set off against the sentence, the judge ruled.

Bhap was presented in the court under tight security arrangements.

The activists of the various radical parties were also present and Harpal Singh Cheema of Shiromani Akali Dal Amritsar (Presidium) announced that his party would challenge the decision in Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Fatehgarh Sahib police had arrested Bhap in August, 2004 and claimed to have recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and RDX hidden by him.

UNI XC JN VN1949