NIA to take up Tarn Taran blast case

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 20

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe into the Tarn Taran blast that left two dead and one injured earlier this month.

A government spokesperson said the Punjab Police had busted an international module of terrorists supported by Pakistan and having a nexus with Kashmir and Khalistani terrorists.

The spokesperson said the Centre on Friday accepted Punjab Government’s recommendation to hand over the September 5 Tarn Taran blast case to the NIA, in view of its national and international ramifications and suspected links of the accused with the Pak-backed Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).

A communique to this effect has been received by the Chief Secretary and DGP.

The case related to a powerful explosion that took place in a vacant plot on the outskirts of Pandori Gola village, Tarn Taran. Two persons were killed and one injured in the blast, which took place when the victims were reportedly digging a pit to retrieve a dumped explosive consignment, which they mishandled. The Punjab Police have already arrested eight members of the Pakistan-backed module, whose interrogation led to unveiling of the conspiracy.

Seven others, including the module leader and main conspirator Bikramjit Singh, alias Granthi, who is believed to be in Austria, are still absconding. A granthi by profession and a follower of Damdami Taksal, Bikramjit used to work as a ‘pathi’. A highly radicalised individual, he planned to target high political dignitaries, socio-religious places, local rival politicians, Hindu leaders and Sikh preachers, with the help of crude bombs.

The other absconders have been identified as Gurpreet Singh (now based in US),

Gurwinder Singh, alias Prince (now based at Sanjose, California, USA), Sodhi Singh (presently residing in Armenia), Arwinder Singh, alias Honey, Kuldeep Singh and Ranjit Singh alias Bablu, who escaped to the US a day after the attack on a liquor shop in Amritsar on May 3, 2016.

Those apprehended so far have been identified by the police as Harjit Singh; Manpreet Singh Mann; Chandeep Singh Khalsa, alias Gabbar Singh; Malkiat Singh; Sher Singh alias Shera; Mandeep Singh, alias Massa Singh; Amritpal Singh; Amarjit Singh and Gurjant Singh (under treatment in hospital).

Investigation has revealed strong links of the module members with Pakistan and SFJ, according to a police spokesperson.

Chandeep Singh was found to be in regular in touch with Pak-based Usman who had earlier contacted Gabbar Singh on Facebook in 2018. Usman used to send Chandeep WhatsApp messages on Khalistan and also on abrogation of Article 370. Usman motivated Gabbar Singh to work for the establishment of a separate state of Khalistan and unite with Kashmiri jehadis. Several Pakistani numbers have also been found in Chandeep’s contact list.

Giving further details, the spokesperson said Bikramjit used to source material for his explosives from near Haqima gate and Lohgarh area of Amritsar.

Nexus with Kashmiri, Khalistani terrorists

• A spokesperson of the government said the Punjab Police had busted an international module of Pakistan-supported terrorists having nexus with Kashmir, Khalistani terrorists.
• The terror module had planned to a target a Tarn Taran dera on the order of Sodhi Singh Khalsa of Armenia, who was also the module’s one of the main SFJ links. They also wanted to target a Hindu leader.
• Keeping in view its national and international ramifications, Centre agreed to involve NIA