Punjab Police made a significant breakthrough in the investigation of the grenade attack outside the state BJP office in Chandigarh on April 1. They announced the arrest of five suspects and the identification of two key perpetrators who are still at large, revealing that the attack was orchestrated by handlers with ties to the ISI.
The Counter Intelligence wing of Punjab Police, in collaboration with Chandigarh Police, dismantled the network responsible for the blast, which authorities believe is part of a larger terrorist plot. Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav disclosed that the probe uncovered connections to foreign handlers and Pakistan’s ISI.
The arrested individuals, including Balvinder Lal alias Shami, Jasveer Singh alias Jassi, Charanjit Singh alias Channi, Rubal Chauhan, and Mandeep alias Abhijot Sharma, are currently in custody. Efforts are underway to apprehend the two main perpetrators directly involved in the attack.
DGP Yadav commended the Punjab Police’s counter-intelligence wing for unveiling the conspiracy behind the bomb blast in Chandigarh. He mentioned the recovery of a grenade and cartridges, linking the entire scheme to handlers in Portugal and Germany.
The operation revealed a complex network with foreign-based handlers in Portugal and Germany, supported by the ISI. Authorities suspect various cutouts and submodules were utilized to carry out and conceal the attack.
The explosion outside the BJP office on April 1 involved two individuals arriving on a two-wheeler, hurling an improvised explosive device, and quickly fleeing the scene. Although no casualties were reported, the incident caused damage to vehicles and instilled panic in the area.
Forensic teams collected shrapnel and examined the blast site, while CCTV footage aided the investigation. Shortly after the attack, Khalistani terrorist Sukhjinder Singh Babbar claimed responsibility, citing extremist motives.
The police’s swift action is said to have thwarted an ISI-backed plot to disrupt peace in Punjab. As authorities continue their efforts to dismantle the broader network behind the attack, they assure that the investigation will reach the highest levels.