NIA conducts searches across Punjab in Amritsar temple grenade attack case
NIA says investigation has revealed that the attack was carried out on the instructions of handlers based outside India
PTC Web Desk: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday carried out multiple searches in Punjab as part of its investigation into the Amritsar temple grenade attack case.
According to the agency, searches were conducted at 10 locations across three border districts, Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Gurdaspur. During the operation, the NIA seized several items, including mobile phones, digital devices and important documents, which it described as incriminating.
The case relates to a grenade explosion that took place outside the Thakur Dwara Sanatan Temple in the Khandwala area on Sher Shah Road in Amritsar on the night of March 14 last year.
The NIA said its investigation has revealed that the attack was carried out on the instructions of handlers based outside India. These handlers allegedly supplied explosives and weapons to create fear and instability in the region.
In a statement, the agency said the temple attack was part of a larger conspiracy involving multiple grenade attacks in Punjab, carried out by members of different terror groups.
The probe has also found that foreign-based handlers were actively recruiting and financing individuals in India to execute such attacks.
After taking over the case from the Punjab Police, the NIA identified Vishal and Gursidak as the main accused who hurled the grenade at the temple. Vishal has been arrested, while Gursidak has since died.
Investigators further said the explosives were supplied by Sharanjeet Kumar, a resident of Qadian in Batala. He had fled to Jharkhand and Bihar but was later arrested by the NIA in September. During the investigation, the agency recovered three hand grenades and a pistol that Sharanjeet had hidden in Gurdaspur.
The NIA said it is continuing its efforts to dismantle terror networks and safeguard the country’s security and sovereignty.