The National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out a series of coordinated raids across Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Chandigarh on Wednesday as part of its investigation into the Chandigarh grenade attack case. The raids targeted individuals linked to Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), a banned terrorist group.
The case stems from a grenade attack on September 9, 2024, at a house in Chandigarh’s Sector 10/D. The attack was carried out by two individuals, Rohan Masih and Vishal Masih, who were later arrested. Investigations revealed that the attack was orchestrated by Pakistan-based Harwinder Singh Sandhu, also known as Rinda, and US-based terrorist Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passian, both key members of BKI.
Raids Across Multiple Locations
NIA teams searched multiple locations linked to BKI operatives, including premises in Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Bathinda, and Ferozepur in Punjab; Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh; Rudrapur in Uttarakhand; and Chandigarh.
During the raids, officials seized incriminating materials, including mobile phones, digital devices, and documents. These materials are expected to provide further evidence in the investigation into BKI’s activities and its international connections.
Unveiling the Conspiracy
According to NIA officials, the grenade attack was part of a larger conspiracy hatched by BKI masterminds in Pakistan and the US. The plan involved:
- Recruitment of associates within India to carry out terror activities.
- Smuggling of weapons and explosives into India using a “dead-drop model,” a technique to secretly transfer items without direct contact.
- Providing financial and logistical support to on-ground operatives to execute attacks.
Harwinder Singh Sandhu and Harpreet Singh were reportedly instrumental in coordinating these efforts. They established modules within India to carry out their plans while funding and supplying hardware from abroad.
Seized Evidence and Implications
The raids have uncovered evidence of the group’s extensive network and its international support system. The NIA’s seizure of digital devices and documents is expected to shed light on the methods used by BKI to bypass security and smuggle terror hardware into India.
Official Statements
Hans Grundberg, UN Special Envoy for Yemen, condemned the attack and called for an end to maritime activities that disrupt civilian life. Arsenio Dominguez, head of the International Maritime Organization, emphasized diplomacy in addressing security threats.
The Ministry of Home Affairs directed the NIA to intensify its efforts to dismantle BKI’s network and identify additional operatives within India.
Continuing Investigations
The NIA’s probe into the Chandigarh grenade attack case is ongoing, with efforts focused on uncovering the full extent of BKI’s plans and preventing future attacks. This operation highlights the collaboration between Indian authorities and international agencies to address cross-border terrorism.
The agency has reiterated its commitment to ensuring national security and bringing those responsible for the attack to justice.
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