In a significant development in the Chandigarh grenade attack case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a key accused from Punjab who played a crucial role in the conspiracy masterminded by foreign-based terrorists from Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).
The case involves multiple individuals, including Pakistan-based designated terrorist Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda and US-based Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia, who were among the four people chargesheeted by the NIA last month. While Rinda and Passia were listed as absconders, the other two accused were already in custody, having been arrested previously.
The latest arrest involves Abhijot Singh from Gurdaspur, who had been identified as the unidentified individual involved in the conspiracy. Abhijot, who was already incarcerated for another grenade attack at a police station, was found to be in direct contact with Happy Passia and had played a critical role in executing the plan.
NIA investigations revealed that Abhijot had conducted multiple reconnaissance operations at the target location in Chandigarh during July and August 2024, following instructions from Happy Passia.
Furthermore, Abhijot was responsible for arranging a stolen motorcycle with a fake number plate that was intended for use in the attack.
Also read: Jalandhar grenade attack accused held; Bishnoi link found
In addition to his involvement in the reconnaissance, investigations revealed that Happy Passia had supplied pistols to both Abhijot and another arrested individual, Rohan Masih, in August 2024. Happy had directed them to carry out firing at a house located in Sector 10, Chandigarh.
Abhijot Singh and Rohan Masih visited the target location twice in August but failed to carry out the attack, according to NIA findings. Following Abhijot’s arrest, the NIA carried out a search operation at a location in Karnal, Haryana, on Wednesday morning.
The search is part of efforts to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and identify other individuals involved in the attack plot.
Also Read: Punjab in peril: 16 grenade attacks in 7 months
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