In the wake of the explosion at Punjab Police’s intelligence headquarters building in Mohali, Central intelligence agencies have swung into action, even as Sikh for Justice (SFJ), a pro-Khalistan group, has reportedly taken responsibility for the grenade attack at the Punjab Intelligence HQs here on Monday night. Central intelligence agencies like the Intelligence Bureau, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Military Intelligence (MI) and intelligence Wing of Border Security Force (BSF) have intensified their operations to gather details into the incident. A senior official associated with a Central intelligence agency said that it is suspected that a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) was used in the attack and it is an unusual thing. “In the past grenade attacks have happened, but the use of RPGs is worrying for everyone,” said a senior official. “On 9 May, Himachal Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) had issued an alert in the state in the view of Khalistani elements in Neighbouring states and the hosting of banners and graffiti of Khalistan on the outer boundary of Vidhan Sabha,” he said.
He further said that Punjab Police has also issued an alert after the blast in Mohali. But instead of written communication, they have verbally communicated to all Police officers to be on alert, the official added. The Punjab police on Tuesday said it has recovered the launcher used in the attack and that a number of suspects have been rounded up.
A report said Sikh for Justice (SFJ), a pro-Khalistan group, has taken the responsibility for the grenade attack. In a suspected voice message sent to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, SFJ general counsel Gurpatwant Singh Pannu claimed the responsibility. Punjab Police are verifying the plausibility of the voice message. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday sought a report from the DGP and intelligence officers over the Mohali blast, stating that “some arrests” have been made and strict punishment will be given to the culprits. Punjab Director General of Police V.K. Bhawra said they have got a few leads and the case will be solved soon. The police are also suspecting the involvement of gangster-turned-terrorist Harvinder Singh Rinda, who is believed to be in Pakistan, in the incident. Rinda has been taking the help of local gangsters to carry out anti-national activities here, police sources said.
A report from Chandigarh said that after the grenade attack in Mohali, a hoax news about a second blast at the same spot within 24 hours create tension among officials of Punjab. Some channels aired this hoax news as well. Meanwhile, former Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh tweeted saying he will speak to Home Minister Amit Shah on the Punjab situation. He said he had alerted the people of Punjab about Khalistani infiltration many times before. (WITH INPUTS FROM TARUNI GANDHI IN CHANDIGARH)
