Punjab BJP Headquarters Grenade Blast Orchestrated by ISI-Linked European Handlers for Rs 2 Lakh
In a shocking revelation, Punjab Police announced on Sunday that the grenade blast outside the Punjab BJP headquarters in Chandigarh was orchestrated by ISI-linked plotters based in Europe for a mere Rs 2 lakh. The attack, which occurred four days prior, sent shockwaves across the region and has now led to the arrest of seven suspects.
Foreign-Based Handlers in Portugal and Germany Directed Attack
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav disclosed at a press conference that the accused were motivated and directed by foreign-based handlers with ISI connections. Baljot Singh, alias Jot, operating from Portugal, and Harjeet Singh Laadi from Germany were identified as the masterminds who promised a monetary reward of Rs 2 lakh for executing the attack.
"Acting on the directions of their foreign-based handlers, the accused coordinated the delivery and execution of the attack. They used multiple cutouts and sub-modules to execute it," DGP Yadav stated, highlighting the sophisticated planning involved.
Arrests of Key Suspects and Seizure of Weapons
The counter-intelligence wing of Punjab Police, in collaboration with Chandigarh Police and Haryana Police, arrested the two main perpetrators: Amanpreet Singh and Gurtej Singh, residents of Rattangarh in Ropar. Amanpreet has a criminal record, with FIRs for theft and snatching registered against him in Mohali and Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh.
Other individuals taken into custody include:
- Balwinder Lal, alias Shami
- Jasvir Singh, alias Jassi
- Charanjit Singh, alias Channi
- Rubal Chauhan
- Mandeep, alias Abhijot Sharma
Police seized a hand grenade and a .30 bore Zigana pistol from the suspects. Additionally, three bullets were found during a search of Amanpreet's house on Thursday.
Detailed Execution and Escape Plan
During preliminary questioning, Gurtej revealed that he came into contact with a foreign-based handler approximately six months ago through a social media platform. Following the handler's instructions, Gurtej, along with co-accused Rubal and Mandeep, collected a consignment of arms and grenades from Jasvir in Bharatpur village, Nawanshahr district, on March 28.
"Gurtej took Amanpreet along to carry out the attack," DGP Yadav explained. On April 1, after conducting reconnaissance, Amanpreet hurled the grenade while Gurtej recorded the act on his mobile phone as directed by the handler. Both accused fled the scene immediately.
To evade police checkpoints, the duo boarded a government bus to Kharar on the outskirts of Chandigarh. The onboard CCTV camera captured images of Gurtej and Amanpreet, with the latter carrying a helmet. In a cunning move to conceal their tracks, they transferred Rs 40 via phone to another passenger, a stranger, and took Rs 40 in cash from him to pay the conductor. From Kharar, they took another bus to their village, where they were arrested the following day.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
All seven accused were presented before a Mohali court on Sunday, which remanded them in three-day police custody for further interrogation. The investigation continues as authorities delve deeper into the network of ISI-linked handlers and their operations across Europe.
This incident underscores the persistent threat of cross-border terrorism and the critical role of coordinated law enforcement efforts in thwarting such attacks. The Punjab Police's swift action has brought key perpetrators to justice, but the hunt for the foreign-based masterminds remains a top priority.
