Security – Chandigarh BJP Office Targeted in Grenade Attack, Two Held
Security – Two individuals have been taken into custody by Punjab Police in connection with a grenade explosion that occurred outside a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Chandigarh earlier this week. The arrests were made on Thursday evening, a day after the incident, as investigators intensified their probe into the matter.
Arrests Made Following Overnight Raids
The suspects have been identified as Aman Singh, also known as Bholu, a resident of Morinda, and Gurtej Singh from Rattangarh village in Rupnagar district. According to officials, both men were apprehended after coordinated raids carried out across multiple locations.
During the arrest, police reportedly recovered suspicious material from one of the accused, found inside a yellow envelope. Authorities, however, have not yet disclosed the nature or significance of the items, stating that verification is still underway.
Claim of Responsibility Under Examination
Shortly after the blast, a separatist outfit, Babbar Khalsa, claimed responsibility for the attack. Despite this claim, police have not confirmed any direct link between the group and the arrested individuals. Investigators are currently examining all possible angles, including whether the suspects were acting independently or under external direction.
Officials have maintained a cautious approach, noting that premature conclusions could hinder the ongoing investigation. Intelligence agencies are also said to be involved in assessing the credibility of the claim.
Grenade Believed to Be Smuggled via Drone
Preliminary findings suggest that the explosive device used in the attack was a China-manufactured P-86 hand grenade. Investigators believe the grenade may have been smuggled into India from across the border using a drone, a method that has raised concerns among security agencies in recent years.
The suspected use of cross-border smuggling routes has prompted authorities to review surveillance and monitoring mechanisms along sensitive regions. Police teams are working to trace the supply chain and identify any individuals involved in facilitating the movement of the weapon.
Multi-Agency Probe Underway
To ensure a thorough investigation, Punjab Police has constituted several specialized teams. These include personnel from the crime branch, the Operation Cell, and the District Crime Cell. Joint operations have been conducted not only within Punjab but also in neighboring states such as Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.
Officials confirmed that multiple locations were searched as part of the investigation, with efforts focused on gathering evidence and identifying potential accomplices. The coordinated approach highlights the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case.
Details of the Incident
According to initial reports, the grenade was thrown from a distance of approximately 25 to 30 feet. It landed near the main gate of the BJP office in Chandigarh. At the time of the explosion, police personnel were stationed nearby, which helped in quickly securing the area.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident. The absence of casualties has been described as a matter of luck by officials, given the potential impact of such an explosive device.
Ongoing Investigation and Security Concerns
Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack and whether it was intended as a warning or part of a larger plan. Security measures around political offices and public spaces in the region have been heightened as a precaution.
Senior police officials have assured that all leads are being pursued and that further developments will be shared once verified. The case remains under active investigation, with a focus on ensuring accountability and preventing similar incidents in the future.