Chandigarh Grenade Blast Case: NIA Conducts Searches In Punjab, UP And Uttarakhand

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday, 22 January, conducted extensive searches at 16 locations across Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand in connection with the Chandigarh grenade blast case from September 2024.

The blast, linked to ISI-backed terrorist Harwinder Singh alias Rinda of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and US-based Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia, has been under intense investigation.

The raids targeted 14 locations in Punjab and one each in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

The operation aims to uncover critical evidence and track down individuals associated with the attack.

The grenade blast, which occurred at a residence in Chandigarh's Sector 10, raised significant security concerns.

The house targeted belonged to K K Malhotra, a retired principal from Himachal Pradesh.

According to Chandigarh Police, two individuals arrived in an auto-rickshaw, and one of them hurled a grenade at the house.

Punjab Police had earlier claimed a breakthrough in the case on 13 September 2024, with the arrest of Rohan Masih, a resident of Passia village in Amritsar, in a joint operation with central agencies.

The Punjab police claimed that the crime was masterminded by Harwinder Singh alias Rinda and Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia.

Happy Passia allegedly provided accused persons with explosives, weapons, and logistical support through his local associates in Punjab and also arranged some financial backing for them.

After committing the crime, the perpetrators reportedly regrouped in Amritsar before going separate ways.

One of the suspects, Vishal, travelled to Jammu and Kashmir and later moved to Delhi, where he was apprehended by police teams.

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