Amritsar Grenade Attack: One Suspect Killed in Police Showdown
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Synopsis
In the aftermath of a grenade attack at a temple in Amritsar, police have killed one suspect during an encounter while another remains at large. The incident has raised serious concerns regarding security and the involvement of external forces.
Key Takeaways
- One suspect killed in police encounter.
- Second suspect fled; manhunt ongoing.
- First Information Report filed under Explosive Substances Act.
- CCTV footage captured the attack.
- Political parties demand investigations.
Chandigarh, March 17 (NationPress) Just two days following the grenade explosion at a temple in Amritsar, authorities confirmed the death of one suspect during a police encounter, while another suspect managed to flee on Monday, according to Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav.
In response to specific intelligence, the Commissionerate Police of Amritsar successfully located those accountable for the attack on the Thakur Dwara Mandiron on March 15.
A formal First Information Report (FIR) has been filed at the Chheharta police station under the Explosive Substances Act, and intelligence-led operations facilitated the identification of the suspects.
Police teams tracked the suspects in Rajasansi, located on the outskirts of Amritsar. The suspects opened fire, resulting in injuries to Head Constable Gurpreet Singh and hitting Inspector Amolak Singh’s turban.
In an act of self-defense, the police retaliated, injuring one of the suspects, who was then transported to the Civil Hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Efforts to apprehend the other suspect are ongoing, as stated by the DGP.
In a first-of-its-kind attack on a religious site in Punjab's Amritsar city, which is near the border with Pakistan, two assailants launched an explosive at the Thakurdwara Temple complex, causing damage to its walls and breaking window panes on the night of March 14.
Authorities are pursuing the suspects and allege Pakistan's involvement in the attack.
CCTV footage captured the attackers arriving on a motorcycle. After a brief wait, one of them threw a grenade before both fled the scene. Fortunately, a priest and his family residing on the temple's upper floor were unharmed.
The Shiromani Akali Dal criticized the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, demanding a judicial inquiry into the incident, while BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh called for a CBI investigation to unveil the forces attempting to disrupt law and order in Punjab.
Expressing serious worry about the ongoing grenade attacks in the region, Chugh stated that the AAP government, under CM Bhagwant Mann, has utterly failed to manage hostile elements within the state.
Daljit Cheema, a leader of the Akali Dal, remarked that the incident, which has offended public sentiment, appears to be part of a scheme to disrupt peace and communal harmony in Punjab. “This marks the 13th such explosion in the area and is indicative of the total breakdown of law and order in the state,” he added.
“Both the Union and state administrations should assume moral responsibility for these occurrences and refrain from meddling in the religious matters of Sikhs and inciting forces aiming to unlawfully seize control of Sikh institutions. Such actions have historically proven dangerous and are leading Punjab in a detrimental direction. Therefore, both state and Union governments must learn from past experiences,” Cheema stated.
