Jailed Khalistani separatist leader Amritpal Singh, who is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from  Punjab's Khadoor Sahib, is currently leading, as per early trends as counting of votes is currently underway on Tuesday.

He is currently languishing in a prison in Assam.

Contesting as an independent candidate, Amritpal Singh, who is Waris Punjab de chief, is ahead of Congress's Kulbir Singh Zira by 44,000 votes.

Who is Amritpal Singh?

Amritpal, who styled himself after slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, was arrested in Moga's Rode village on April 23 last year following an over a month-long manhunt.

The Khalistani sympathiser had escaped the police net in Jalandhar district on March 18, switching vehicles and changing appearances.

Amritpal, who had supported calls for the formation of Khalistan, a separate Sikh homeland, was wanted for several charges, including attempted murder, obstruction of law enforcement, and creating disharmony.

He and his supporters, armed with swords, knives, and guns, had raided a police station in March and clashed with policemen.