Chandigarh, Apr 13 (UNI) In a major breakthrough, Jalandhar Commissionerate Police (CP), with
the support of Central Agencies and Delhi Police, successfully arrested Uttar Pradesh-based Saidul Ameen, prime accused involved in the grenade attack on BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia’s residence, said DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav here.
As per the information, an explosion occurred at the residence of senior BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia, located in Central Town Jalandhar, on the intervening night of April 7. Preliminary investigations had revealed a larger conspiracy orchestrated by Pakistan's ISI to disrupt communal harmony in Punjab, the DGP said on Saturday.
The development came close on the heels of the arrest of two local associates, identified as Satish alias Kaka alias Lucky of Bhargo Camp in Jalandhar, and Harry of Garha Road in Jalandhar, who provided logistical support to accused Saidul Ameen.
The plot was masterminded by Zeeshan Akhtar, a close associate of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and Pakistan-based ISI-sponsored gangster Shahzad Bhatti, while, the role of Pakistan-based Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) is also being probed.
DGP Yadav, accompanied by CP Jalandhar Dhanpreet Kaur, said that accused Saidul Ameen of Amroha in UP, was apprehended from Delhi after an intensive multi-state manhunt.
“This arrest is a testament to the seamless coordination between Punjab Police, Central Agencies, and Delhi Police in dismantling terror networks,” he said.
He said that the ongoing probe has also revealed the financial link to the executors of the grenade attack, under which the role of Haryana-based accused, identified as Abhijot, who was arrested by the Haryana Police on Friday after exchange of fire in Kurukshetra, has also come under the light.
Jalandhar CP will bring him on production warrant for further investigations, he added.
DGP Yadav said that further investigations are ongoing to uncover the handlers, financial backers, and potential foreign connections linked to the attack.
A case has already been registered at Police station in Jalandhar.
UNI GS RN