Punjab LoP Bajwa Requests Extension to Meet Police Regarding Grenade Allegation

Chandigarh, April 14 (NationPress) A day after facing legal action, Partap Bajwa, the Leader of Opposition in Punjab, communicated his inability to attend the Cyber Crime police station in Mohali on Monday. Through his legal representative, he requested an extension until 2 p.m. on Tuesday for his appearance.

Bajwa mentioned that he received the summons late on Sunday night.

He was booked due to his recent declaration that 50 hand grenades had been smuggled into Punjab, with 18 of them having already detonated.

The notice from the Superintendent of Police states, “In accordance with Sub Section (3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, I hereby notify you that during the inquiry of FIR No. 19 dated April 13, 2025, under Sections 353(2) and 197(1) of the BNS registered at the Cyber Crime police station, Phase 7, SAS Nagar, reasonable grounds have emerged for questioning you regarding the facts and circumstances of the ongoing investigation. Therefore, you are ordered to present yourself at the specified police station by noon on Monday.”

Previously, Bajwa was interrogated at his residence on Sunday. Counterintelligence officer Ravjot Grewal informed the media that Bajwa had made a statement in a media interview asserting that there were 50 hand grenades in Punjab, with around 32 still being active.

“We took note of the interview and queried him about his sources,” stated Ravjot Grewal. She elaborated that their visit aimed to clarify the basis of the LoP's claims.

When questioned by the police team, the Leader of Opposition asserted: “I stand by my statement and will not disclose my sources. The police officers approached me, and I fully cooperated.”

Challenging the AAP government to file a case against him, Bajwa remarked, “You’re completely welcome. The Chief Minister is an utter failure. Regrettably, he governs not to serve the people of Punjab but to execute personal vendettas. Today’s events exemplify the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s abuse of power.”

“This morning, media representatives were alerted by the government to arrive at my residence, and shortly after, two senior police officials were dispatched to interrogate me. Their inquiry concerned whether I had mentioned to a news channel about 50 hand grenades allegedly smuggled into Punjab from across the border. I confirmed that I had communicated this information to a media outlet,” he stated.

“Having personally endured the atrocities of terrorism, losing my father in a terrorist attack in 1987 and being targeted myself in 1990, I regard national security with the utmost seriousness. I hail from a family that has sacrificed for peace, and I will never remain silent when I perceive a threat to Punjab’s safety,” he expressed.

He added that as the Leader of the Opposition, he holds a constitutional position and is privy to sensitive information. “I act responsibly and in the interest of public safety when I raise such concerns. Unfortunately, instead of addressing the issue, the Chief Minister opted to threaten me with ‘strict action’ this very morning,” he remarked.

In response, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann alleged that the Bajwa family has been connected to Pakistani operatives for decades, which he claims is the source of Bajwa’s irrational and unfounded information.

Mann stated that while intelligence agencies have no such reports, Bajwa’s associates across the border must have relayed plans to disrupt peace and development in the state.

He urged the Congress leader to substantiate his allegations or face repercussions for inciting panic among the populace, asserting that Bajwa has recklessly claimed that 50 bombs have been smuggled into Punjab, with 18 having exploded and 32 still present.

Mann emphasized that this matter is serious and that the Congress leader's negligent attitude is unacceptable as it has instigated panic among the people.