Faridkot grenade attack foiled before Baba Farid festival: Canada PR holder arrested with 2 grenades, probe underway

Faridkot: The Punjab Police's Counter-Intelligence wing has arrested a youth with two grenades in Faridkot ahead of Baba Farid Agman Purab. The police are probing his alleged links with Pakistan-based terror organisations. The accused has been identified as Navjot Singh alias Nav, a resident of Guru Arjan Dev Nagar in Faridkot.

The police said he is a Canadian permanent resident and had returned to India on September 12.

According to the police, Navjot was carrying two grenades when he was apprehended near Nehru Stadium. Investigators suspect that the explosive material may have been delivered through a drone and are examining whether the accused had been in contact with handlers or groups based across the border.

A case has been registered at the State Special Operation Cell police station in Fazilka under provisions of the Explosive Substances Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Arrest comes ahead of Baba Farid Agman Purab

The arrest comes just a day before the start of Baba Farid Agman Purab, a major religious and cultural event in Faridkot. The 2026 festival is scheduled from September 19 to September 23, with several religious, cultural and sporting programmes planned across the city.

With the festival expected to draw large numbers of visitors, security arrangements have been stepped up in the city. The district administration has also made arrangements for security and other facilities for the event.

Investigators are now questioning the accused to determine where the grenades came from, whether anyone else was involved and whether any specific target was being considered.

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Father gives different account of arrest

Navjot's father, Suba Singh, has given a different account of the events leading up to his son's arrest.

Speaking about the incident, he said his son had told him on Thursday evening that a courier was expected. The two then went towards Sadik Chowk to collect it, where they were stopped by the police and taken to the CIA office.

Suba Singh said the police later allowed him to leave but detained his son. He appealed for a fair investigation and said the family wanted justice in the matter.

The police would examine the accused's recent movements, communications and alleged contacts as part of the investigation. The exact circumstances surrounding the recovery of the grenades, their intended use and any possible wider network remain under investigation.