Punjab Police has claimed a major breakthrough in the April 1 grenade attack outside the BJP office in Chandigarh, announcing the arrest of five accused and identifying two key perpetrators who are still absconding.
According to Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, the case has been cracked by the Counter-Intelligence wing in a joint operation with Chandigarh Police. The investigation has revealed links to foreign handlers and Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI, indicating a larger terror conspiracy.
The five arrested individuals have been identified as Balvinder Lal alias Shami, Jasveer Singh alias Jassi, Charanjit Singh alias Channi, Rubal Chauhan, and Mandeep alias Abhijot Sharma.
Police said the two main suspects who allegedly carried out the attack have been identified, and multiple teams are currently working to apprehend them. During the operation, security forces recovered one grenade and some cartridges.
Investigators have uncovered a multi-layered network involving handlers based in Portugal and Germany, with alleged backing from ISI. Authorities believe the module operated through several intermediaries and sub-networks to plan and execute the attack while concealing its origins.
The incident occurred when two individuals on a two-wheeler reportedly hurled an improvised explosive device outside the BJP office in Sector 37, Chandigarh, before fleeing. Although no casualties were reported, the blast caused damage to vehicles and triggered panic in the area.
Forensic teams examined the site and recovered evidence, while CCTV footage played a key role in identifying suspects. Shortly after the attack, Sukhjinder Singh Babbar claimed responsibility, linking the act to extremist motives.
Police officials stated that the operation has disrupted an ISI-backed attempt to destabilise the region. With the masterminds identified and further कार्रवाई underway, authorities have indicated that the investigation will continue to track and dismantle the broader network involved.
