How handful of youths dragged quiet Sirsa village into high-level probe

Kharian village in Sirsa has come under unwanted attention after an explosive attack outside the Sirsa Women Police Station triggered a high-level investigation. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Sirsa Police is now probing the case, which involves four youths from the village.

Their alleged links to local gangs and the Khalistan Liberation Army (KLA) have shocked residents, leaving the community anxious, embarrassed and silent. As more names emerge, villagers fear their quiet settlement has been pulled into a larger “militant network”.

What exactly happened outside the Sirsa Women Police Station?

Late Tuesday night, an explosive device was detonated near the Women Police Station in Sirsa between 10 and 11 pm. At first, the police and people mistook the sound for a burst tyre or firecrackers, so no immediate alarm was raised. The next day, a video clip of the blast went viral on social media, prompting urgent police action. Hours later, teams traced the movement of the suspects and the Sirsa Police launched a full investigation into what turned out to be a targeted attack.

Who is investigating the case and why is it being treated as a serious threat?

The Sirsa Police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), while the NIA joined the probe due to suspected militant links. Investigators say the blast video was uploaded on Instagram from an account “Kingshooters 302,” which allegedly claimed responsibility on behalf of the Khalistan Liberation Army (KLA). The organisation’s handler, identified as Shehzaad Bhatti, is believed to be connected with the accused youths. Following interrogation, SIT and NIA teams have obtained key disclosures from the arrested men, strengthening the suspicion of cross-border coordination.

Who are the accused youths and what networks are they allegedly part of?

The four arrested youths are residents of Kharian and already have assault cases registered against them. The police say they were associated with two local gangs — “26 Gang Kharian” and “Bichchu Gang” and later developed contact with KLA supporters. Their alleged communication with handlers linked to foreign-based Khalistani outfits has raised alarms among investigators. These youths had been on the radar for their violent behaviour, but their recent movement suggested involvement in more organised activities, including transporting explosive materials.

 How has the village reacted to the revelations?

The revelations have deeply embarrassed Kharian residents. Villagers say the youths’ actions have brought shame and fear to the community. Many residents now avoid speaking publicly about the case, worried about consequences or stigma. The families of the accused have refused to comment due to humiliation. The villagers admit that a few more youths from Kharian and surrounding settlements were in touch with the same gangs and could come under investigation. The atmosphere in the village has turned tense and people are unwilling to discuss the matter openly.

 How did the accused execute the plan and what led to their arrest?

According to police sources, the youths travelled by a train from Amritsar carrying explosive material. After carrying out the blast at the Women Police Station, they moved towards Kharian through the Sector 20- Vaidwala-Panjuana highway route. The police tracked the phone numbers used to send the attack video to Khalistani handlers, traced their locations and conducted raids. Based on digital footprints and identification during interrogation, police teams made quick arrests and recovered crucial evidence, confirming that the plan involved coordination beyond state borders, the police sources said.

Interrogations revealed that the suspects were promised Rs 48,000 rupees for carrying out the attack, including Rs 20,000 in cash and Rs 28,000 online payment. They said they had initially been instructed to target the Rania police station but chose the Women’s Police Station due to heavier security.