Chandigarh, September 15, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
In a significant breakthrough, Punjab Police, in coordination with central agencies, arrested the second accused involved in the Chandigarh grenade blast.
The blast, which occurred on September 11 in the upscale Sector 10 area, left the city shaken but caused no injuries.
Vishal Masih, the second suspect, was apprehended from Delhi on Sunday, marking a major step forward in the investigation.
Punjab Police Make Swift Arrests
The Punjab Police acted swiftly in response to the grenade attack, which involved a device being lobbed at the house of a retired police officer. Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab announced the arrest on social media platform X, stating:
“Within 72 hours of the Chandigarh Grenade blast, the @PunjabPoliceInd in coordination with Central Agencies has arrested the second perpetrator of the blast.”
Vishal Masih, a resident of Raimal village in the Batala district, was taken into custody after the police followed several leads generated through their investigation.
Details of the Blast
The incident took place on the evening of September 11, at around 5:30 p.m., when a grenade was thrown at the residence of a retired police officer in Sector 10, Chandigarh. The blast shattered window panes and left a hole approximately 5 to 8 inches deep. Fortunately, no one was injured in the attack. The suspects fled the scene in an auto-rickshaw, which was captured on **CCTV footage**.
First Arrest and Seizure of Weapons
Punjab Police made their first arrest in the case on September 13, two days after the blast. Rohan Masih, the first suspect, was apprehended, and a 9MM Glock pistol with ammunition was seized from him. His arrest provided critical leads that eventually led to the capture of the second suspect, Vishal Masih.
Ongoing Investigation and Search for Third Suspect
According to police reports, three suspects were involved in the attack. One individual was responsible for hurling the grenade, while the other two sat in the auto-rickshaw that was seen fleeing the scene. The police are currently working to identify and locate the third suspect in the case.
Possible Links to Khalistani Terrorist
Sources have indicated that the grenade blast may have ties to **Khalistani terrorist Rinda**, who is currently based in Pakistan. Investigators suspect that Rinda might have orchestrated or been involved in the planning of this attack. This angle is being thoroughly explored as the investigation continues.
The Aftermath of the Blast
Although the grenade blast did not cause any casualties, it has heightened concerns about security in Chandigarh. The incident took place in an affluent area of the city, and the fact that a former police officer was targeted has raised questions about the motive behind the attack.
Punjab Police, along with central agencies, are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to uncover the full details of the plot, including identifying the mastermind behind the attack and preventing any further incidents.
Conclusion: A Major Breakthrough in the Case
With the arrest of Vishal Masih, the investigation into the Chandigarh grenade blast has made significant progress. The police’s swift action, in coordination with central agencies, has led to the arrest of two key suspects within a matter of days. As the search for the third suspect continues, authorities remain focused on uncovering any potential connections to external terrorist networks, including possible links to Khalistani operatives.
The security forces are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the region and prevent any further attacks.