Arrests Made in Bathinda Petrol Bomb Attack
The Bathinda police, in a joint operation with the Counter Intelligence Wing, have claimed to have cracked the petrol bomb attack on a homoeopathic clinic near the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) office. Two youths have been arrested, while a third accused remains absconding. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had also begun probing the case a day earlier.
The attack took place while Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann was staying overnight in the city, barely a kilometre away from the spot.
Details of the Accused
Bathinda Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harjeet Singh identified the arrested persons as Nikhil Kumar (21) and Gurwinder Singh (22), residents of Khuian Sarwar village in Fazilka district. The absconding accused, Sandeep Singh, had studied with them earlier. Preliminary investigation suggests the trio were promised about Rs 3,000 each to carry out the attack, though the money was not paid. The police believe Sandeep was in touch with a criminal network.
Breakthrough in Investigation
The accused are school dropouts and daily-wage labourers with no known criminal background. Bathinda Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jyoti Yadav said CCTV footage and an autorickshaw used in their escape provided the breakthrough. Evidence included a carry bag marked “Abohar”, used to carry the inflammable liquid. The accused arrived in Bathinda by bus hours before the attack and roamed the city before executing the plan.
Attempted Escape and Injuries
The SSP added the arrested men attempted to flee while being transported, jumping from a railway overbridge and sustaining injuries. They are under treatment at the Civil Hospital.
Clinic Owner's Account
Clinic co-owner Dr Tarsem Garg said CCTV footage showed two men throwing a bottle of inflammable material into the courtyard, damaging a scooter, plants and a window. No injuries were reported.
External Links and NIA Involvement
The police have also booked Pakistan-based terrorist Shahzad Bhatti after Garg’s wife alleged she received a WhatsApp call and messages from him following the incident. An NIA team visited the clinic and collected details. A case under Section 113 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) (terrorist act) and the Explosives Act has been registered at the Kotwali police station. Officials are also verifying social media posts claiming Tehreek-e-Taliban Hindustan (TTH) took responsibility.
