Terror Module Supported by ISI Behind Grenade Attack at BJP Leader's Residence: Punjab Police

Synopsis

Punjab Police have arrested two suspects in connection with a grenade attack on BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia’s residence in Jalandhar, revealing a plot allegedly masterminded by an ISI-backed terror module. The investigation highlights potential links to gangsters associated with Pakistan, raising concerns over security and communal harmony in the region.

Key Takeaways

Punjab Police arrested two suspects linked to grenade attack.
Investigation points to ISI's involvement in the conspiracy.
Connections to notorious gangsters like Lawrence Bishnoi explored.
Forensic evidence collected from the crime scene.
Minister accuses central government of protecting gangsters.

Chandigarh, April 8 (NationPress) - On Tuesday, the Punjab Police announced that they have successfully uncovered the details surrounding the hand-grenade attack at the residence of a BJP leader in Jalandhar. The operation was directed by a terror module allegedly backed by Pakistan's ISI, resulting in the arrest of two suspects within a mere 12 hours, as reported by Special Director General of Police (Special DGP-Law and Order) Arpit Shukla.

Initial investigations have indicated a broader conspiracy led by Pakistan's ISI aimed at inciting communal discord in Punjab. The scheme was reportedly orchestrated by Zeeshan Akhtar, a close associate of the notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, alongside Shahzad Bhatti, a gangster supported by the ISI operating from Pakistan.

Shukla further mentioned that law enforcement is not dismissing potential connections between the suspects and Harwinder Singh, known as Rinda, who is linked to Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), as well as the gangster Happy Passia.

Shukla, joined by IGP (Headquarters) Sukhchain Singh Gill, also mentioned that the police have recovered an e-rickshaw utilized by the accused during the execution of the crime.

The incident occurred at the residence of senior BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia, situated in Central Town, Jalandhar, on the night of Monday.

Police units from the Jalandhar Commissionerate quickly responded to the site, and forensic specialists gathered samples and pertinent evidence.

Providing more insights, Commissioner of Police (Jalandhar) Dhanpreet Kaur stated that the investigation is being carried out in conjunction with central intelligence agencies to track the entire terror network and ensure that all parties involved face strict consequences.

An FIR has been filed under various sections including 109, 324 (3), and 61 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, as well as Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act at the police station in Division Number 3, Jalandhar.

Previously, state Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat, who visited Kalia's residence, accused gangster Bishnoi and his Pakistani associates of instigating recent violent episodes in the state.

He criticized the BJP-led Union government for allegedly providing VIP protection to Bishnoi while he is held in Sabarmati Jail, Ahmedabad.

“It is no secret that Lawrence Bishnoi is connected to Pakistan. The prior assault on a YouTuber's home, orchestrated by Pakistani Don Shahzad Bhatti, has already revealed these international links,” the minister remarked.

He accused the central government of offering protection to Bishnoi in prison, raising questions about the Union government's motives.

“Providing extensive security to a gangster like Bishnoi in jail raises concerns about the intentions of the Union government,” he asserted.

He claimed that anti-social elements backed by Pakistan are attempting to disrupt the peace in Punjab, as they are unable to accept the swift progress the state has made under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, particularly in the government's proactive campaign against drugs, dubbed 'Yudh Nashian Virudh'.