NIA chargesheets 4 accused

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has chargesheeted four persons for hurling a grenade at the residence of former Minister Manoranjan Kalia.

The chargesheet has named two arrested accused, Saidul Ameen of Amroha (UP) and Abhijot Jangra of Kurukshetra (Haryana), and two absconders, Kulbir Singh Sidhu of Yamunanagar (Haryana) and Manish, alias Kaka Rana of Karnal (Haryana).

All four have been charged under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, BNS and Explosive Substances Act.

The attack on the premises of Kalia in Jalandhar was carried out on the night of April 7 and the NIA had taken over the probe on April 12.

Kulbir Singh, an operative of proscribed terrorist organisation Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) had conspired with his associate Manish and formed a terror gang to target the prominent leaders of Punjab to create terror among general public for raising funds for the BKI through extortion.

Manish had subsequently recruited Saidul Ameen, who had hurled the grenade on the fateful night. The grenade was supplied to Saidul by Kulbir, while Abhijot provided funds.

Kulbir had circulated a poster after the attack, claiming responsibility for hatching the conspiracy along with Manish.

A red corner notice has been issued against Kulbir, who is also carrying a reward of Rs 10 lakh for his arrest.

The NIA had earlier also chargesheeted Kulbir, related to the targeted killing of VHP leader Vikas Prabhakar in April 2024.

11 chargesheeted for attacking police station in Batala

The NIA has chargesheeted 11 accused in connection with the terror attack on a police station in Batala that was orchestrated by a banned Khalistani outfit, officials said

The arrested accused have been charged under various provisions of the BNS, UAPA, Arms Act and Explosive Substances Act. The chargesheet was filed before a special NIA court in Mohali

Other 11 accused identified in the case are on the run and the NIA is actively searching for them

BKI handlers — Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passia, Mannu Agwan and Gurpreet Singh — had claimed responsibility for the attack, which took place on April 6

The RPG attack on the Qila Lal Singh police station in Batala was executed by BKI members with active support from foreign-based operatives with the intent to spread terror, officials said

The NIA revealed that the conspiracy was directed by foreign-based terror operatives — PTI