Punjab grenade attack: Powerful explosion rocks Thakurdwara temple in Amritsar

PTC Web Desk:  A powerful explosion rocked Thakurdwara Temple in Khandwala area of Amritsar late Friday evening, causing damage to the building and sparking concerns over security in the region. According to CCTV footage, two masked assailants on a motorcycle hurled an explosive device at the temple before fleeing the scene. The Punjab Police have launched an intensive investigation, suspecting the involvement of Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI.

Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said preliminary investigations indicated Pakistan’s ISI was orchestrating such attacks by exploiting vulnerable youth from economically weaker sections of society. He added, “We have identified the attackers through CCTV footage and are in the process of tracing them. The perpetrators will be apprehended soon.”

Bhullar warned individuals against being misled or lured by monetary incentives into carrying out such acts, cautioning them about severe repercussions.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann condemned the attack, asserting that external forces are actively trying to disturb the state’s peace. He said attempts were being made to create unrest in Punjab, but police force was equipped with modern resources to counter such threats. 

Following the blast, the police took custody of the CCTV footage and began a thorough forensic investigation. Preliminary reports suggest that the attackers arrived on a motorcycle, carried a flag, and lingered outside the temple before launching the explosive device. The attack occurred around 12.35 am. Fortunately, temple priest Murari Lal Sharma, who was inside at the time, escaped unhurt and promptly reported the incident to the Chheharta police station.

The explosive device was hurled at the temple’s first floor, resulting in structural damage to the outer section. To prevent further alarm, the temple management covered the damaged portion with green fabric while the police continue their investigation. 

Since November last year, Punjab has witnessed a series of blasts, primarily targeting police stations and security posts. However, this is the first incident where a religious site has been attacked, raising fresh concerns over security threats.

The Timeline

November 24 – RDX was planted outside Ajnala police station, but did not detonate. The attack was claimed by Happy Passia, and two suspects were later arrested with hand grenades.

November 27 – A grenade explosion occurred at a closed police post in Gurbakhsh Nagar.

December 2 – A grenade attack was carried out at Kathgarh Police Station in SBS Nagar, leading to the arrest of three terrorists and the recovery of weapons.

December 4 – An explosion at the Majitha Police Station was initially dismissed by the authorities as a tire burst, though local leaders claimed it was a terrorist attack.

December 13 – A grenade blast at Aliwal Batala Police Station was linked to Happy Passia and his accomplices.

December 17 – A grenade explosion at Islamabad Police Station was initially denied by officials but later confirmed as a terrorist act.

December 19 – Terrorists targeted an abandoned police outpost in Bakhshiwala, Gurdaspur, by hurling a grenade at a seized vehicle.

December 21 – A bomb attack on Banga Wadala village police post in Gurdaspur was claimed by Babbar Khalsa International.

January 16 – A grenade attack targeted liquor trader Amandeep Jaintipuria’s house in Jaintipur village, Amritsar.

January 19 – A blast struck the Gumtala Police Post in Amritsar, with Babbar Khalsa International taking responsibility.

February 3 – Terrorists attacked a defunct police post on Fatehgarh Churian Road in Amritsar.

February 14 – A low-intensity explosion targeted a police officer’s residence in Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur.