NIA steps up probe in Sirsa blast

Investigations into a blast near Women’s Police Station here intensified on Friday after a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrived from Chandigarh to assist the local authorities, according to police sources.

Four accused were brought to the site under tight security for on-the-spot identification. Their heads had been shaved to ensure clear recognition, the sources said. Interrogation revealed that the suspects were promised Rs 48,000 for carrying out the attack, including Rs 20,000 in cash and Rs 28,000 online. They said they had initially been instructed to target Rania police station, but chose Women’s Police Station due to heavier security, the sources added.

The five accused—Sandeep, Vikas, Dheeraj, Vikas, and a local youth—were produced in court on Thursday and sent to a seven-day remand. Dheeraj was identified as the gang leader, while Vikas was linked to drug trafficking in Kharian village. The group reportedly drew inspiration from videos of Pakistani gangster Shehzad and allegedly received funding from him.

Blast marks and shrapnel were visible on the station’s outer wall, highlighting the severity of the attack, the sources said. The authorities are examining the suspects’ networks, funding, and potential masterminds.

Kharian village on edge

Kharian village is tense following the arrest of four men linked to the explosion near Women’s Police Station. Several young men with drug histories have gone into hiding. Gang leader Vikas reportedly recruited local youth into criminal activities, running three gangs— “Bichchu Gang,” “26,” and “302”, with 20-25 members. He allegedly supplied drugs for free before coercing youths into crimes like extortion and assault. Villagers criticised the panchayat for ignoring earlier complaints against Vicky and said the families of the accused were facing social stigma.