Mohali bombing: Some suspects arrested, others not even identified

A Canadian national Lakhbir Singh Landa, a close associate of Pakistan-based Khalistani terrorist Harvinder Singh Rinda, is the main conspirator of the TNT bomb attack on Mohali, Punjab DGP VK Bhawra said in a press conference today. Landa allegedly carried out the rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attack with the help of associates Nishan Singh and Chadat Singh, both residents of Tarn Taran. The police said a certain Nidhas Singh had arranged the stay of the terrorists at his house and his contacts.

“The main person, who was the key conspirator and arranged all the logistics is Lakhbir Singh Landa. Originally from Tarn Taran, a gangster, he had moved to Canada in 2017 because of police pressure,” the DGP said at the press conference.

“Rinda and Landa, or Babbar Khalsa and gangsters, carried out the attack at the behest of Pakistani ISI,” Bhawra said.

The press conference followed the arrest of six suspects by Punjab Police today in connection with the RPG blast at the Punjab Police Intelligence headquarters in Mohali on 9 May. Khalistani terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), which has a Canadian base, and local gangsters were involved in the attack carried out on the behest of Pakistani intelligence agency ISI.

The police said Nishan Singh had collected the RPG from the locations given by Landa and provided it to the attackers. Baljinder Singh Rambo, another resident of Tarn Taran, picked up the AK-47 rifle and gave it to Chadat Singh.

Chadat Singh and two attackers moved from Tarn Taran on 7 May. Two days later, they attacked the intelligence headquarters in Mohali.

Punjab Police has found the role of a Mohali resident Jagdeep Kang who allegedly provided local support and helped in the reconnaissance before the attack.

Chadat Singh is still at large, police said after arresting Mohammad Aseem Alam and Mohammad Sarafraj, the Noida residents who hail from Bihar. The DGP said a probe was on to ascertain who carried out the attack.

“An explosion was reported at the Punjab Police Intelligence Headquarters in sector 77, SAS Nagar at around 7:45 PM. No damage has been reported. Senior officers are on the spot and an investigation is being done. Forensic teams have been called,” the Mohali police said in a statement. The explosion came close on the heels of the recovery of an explosive device near Burail Jail in Chandigarh on 24 April.