Lawrence gang 'claims responsibility' for blasts outside two clubs in Chandigarh

PTC Web Desk: Two blasts occurred on Tuesday morning outside two clubs in Sector 26, Chandigarh, just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the city on December 3. The Lawrence gang has reportedly claimed responsibility for the blasts, with Goldy Brar posting on social media, stating that the explosions were a result of the club owners failing to pay protection money.

The blasts took place outside Seville Bar & Lounge and De'Orra Club, shattering the glass windows of the clubs. According to media reports, Seville Bar & Lounge is co-owned by famous rapper Badshah.

In the social media post attributed to Goldy Brar, it was mentioned, "We, Goldy Brar and Rohit Godara from the Lawrence gang, take responsibility for the two blasts. We had messaged the owners of these clubs for protection money, but they ignored our calls. To make them listen, we carried out these blasts. Anyone ignoring our calls should understand that it could get much worse."

Police investigations revealed that the attackers arrived on a motorcycle and threw bombs filled with nails and flammable substances. Initial reports suggest that desi bombs (sutli bombs) were used in the explosions. The police are also investigating the possibility of extortion being behind the blasts.

CCTV footage from the scene shows a young man throwing a bomb-like object at the club around 3.15 am. The explosion occurred soon after, and the suspect fled the scene.

According to DSP Dilbag Singh, the control room received a report of the incident at 3.25 am. Investigating officers were promptly dispatched to the location. SSP Kanwardeep Kaur has instructed the operation cell, crime branch, district cell, and other police teams to work together to arrest the perpetrators as soon as possible.

The security guard reported that two persons arrived on a bike. One of them stayed by the bike, while the other threw the explosive. Upon hearing the blast, the guard rushed outside and saw the broken glass. Another security guard was also present, and one of the attackers reportedly threatened him, saying, "What will you do?" The attackers then fled the scene.

The area where the blasts occurred is a posh locality, close to the vegetable market, central institutions, police lines, and Sector 26 police station. The two clubs are situated about 30 metre apart. At the time of the explosions, both clubs were closed, so no one was injured.