Petrol Bomb Attacks in Bathinda During CM's Visit
Bathinda experienced two separate petrol bomb incidents on Monday night while Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann was staying overnight at the VVIP Lake View Guest House. The attacks occurred despite heightened security and police alertness due to the CM's presence.
Amarpura Basti Attack: Five Apprehended
In the Amarpura Basti incident, several residents alleged that around 15 armed men targeted multiple houses, damaged CCTV cameras, and injured a youth. The attackers reportedly abused residents and threatened further violence after being released on bail. Babbu Khan, whose house was attacked, said his son sustained injuries and property was damaged. He alleged that the attackers openly challenged residents to approach the police. Another youth claimed the accused circulated a video threatening to cut off his arm. Bathinda (City) SP Narinder Singh confirmed that a case was registered at the Canal Colony police station, and four accused have been arrested, while a juvenile has been apprehended. However, DSP (City-I) Amritpal Singh Bhaati claimed the incident was not related to drug peddling but stemmed from an old enmity.
Homoeopathic Clinic Blast: No Arrests Yet
In a separate attack, a petrol bomb was thrown at a homoeopathic clinic on Mela Ram Road, opposite the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) office. CCTV footage reportedly showed two youths, one with his face covered, carrying out the attack. No arrests have been made so far. Dr Tarsem Garg's wife, Rajni Jindal, claimed she received a WhatsApp call from a foreign number identifying the caller as Shahzad Bhatti, followed by two messages. She recently contested municipal council elections as a BJP candidate. A senior police officer said they had some leads and were trying to trace the accused.
Political Leaders Demand Fair Investigation
Following the incidents, leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Congress jointly held a press conference at Dr Tarsem Garg's clinic, demanding a fair and speedy investigation. AAP MLA Jagroop Singh Gill, former BJP MLA Sarup Chand Singla, and former Congress district president Ashok Kumar were present.
