NIA probes Bathinda blast: 19-year-old suspect planned suicide attack in Jammu and Kashmir
PTC Web Desk: The investigation into the September 10 blasts at village Jeeda in Punjab’s Bathinda district has revealed shocking details, with officials stating that a 19-year-old law student, Gurpreet Singh, was preparing to become a suicide bomber to carry out an attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to high-level police sources, Gurpreet Singh had procured explosive chemicals and a jacket-style belt online, which he intended to strap around his waist and detonate near security forces in Jammu. During preliminary questioning at AIIMS, where he is undergoing treatment for injuries, Gurpreet admitted that he wanted to target armed forces in Kashmir, claiming his motivation stemmed from perceived atrocities against Kashmiri Muslim women. He, however, clarified that he had no plans to attack the military outside Jammu and Kashmir.
The plan unraveled when an accidental explosion occurred at his residence before he could leave for Jammu, severely injuring him. Hours later, a second blast took place when his father, Gurmeet Singh, attempted to remove the remaining material, leaving him injured as well.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has joined the probe alongside the Punjab Police, while the Army has been assisting in identifying the nature of the explosives. On Tuesday, an NIA team visited Gurpreet’s house to collect chemical samples. The agency has also interrogated him at the hospital. Meanwhile, the Kathua police have also joined the investigation following reports that Gurpreet had booked a train ticket to Kathua.
Investigators further stated that Gurpreet Singh was heavily influenced by speeches of terror mastermind Maulana Masood Azhar. Nearly a year ago, he had even expressed a desire to cycle to Pakistan, but his family intervened and later sent him to live with his maternal relatives. Police sources also indicated that two persons from Kathua have been detained for questioning, though no official confirmation has been made.
- PTC NEWS
