Bathinda twin explosion: Radicalised youth was planning 'fidayeen attack', say cops
PTC News Desk: Twin explosions at Jeeda village in Bathinda on September 10 left Gurpreet Singh, 19 and his father Jagtar Singh critically injured. While Gurpreet’s right hand had to be amputated due to the explosion, his father, a farmer, suffered severe injuries in the second blast.
As the investigation in connection with the case continue to take shape, the police authorities have suspected that both Gurpreet and his father were planning a 'fidayeen attack'.
Gurpreet, a law student, was allegedly influenced by radical Islamic ideologies.
Senior superintendent of police (SSP) Amneet Kondal said a multi-pocket vest was recovered from the spot and Gurpreet’s mobile phone had clues that hinted that he was planning a suicide attack.
“But a high-intensity explosion took place on the eve of his scheduled travel to Kathua when he mishandled the chemicals at his house. We have secured his police remand for 7 days on Thursday and our team will question him in detail,” she said, adding that a deputy superintendent of police-rank official from Kathua had visited Bathinda earlier for details.
“Initial questioning of Gurpreet revealed that becoming a human bomb was on his mind. He purchased a wide range of explosive chemicals and the vest online. Gurpreet was indoctrinated but before he could undertake any operation, his attempt to prepare an explosive material failed due to a blast last week,” she added.
Several teams including Punjab Police, National Investigation Agency (NIA), Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Indian Army have been deployed in the investigation.
- PTC NEWS
