Chandigarh, 6 September: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a prime accused in the grenade attack at Amritsar’s Thakurdwara temple, a case that had sparked fear and tension across Punjab.
The suspect, identified as a resident of Bihar, was picked up after intensive tracking. According to officials, preliminary interrogation revealed that arms and funds were supplied from across the border. Investigators suspect the involvement of foreign handlers and are probing possible links with banned outfits.
The grenade attack, which occurred last month, injured several devotees and damaged temple property. Punjab Police had initially detained multiple suspects, but the NIA’s arrest is seen as a breakthrough.
Officials said the accused acted on instructions received via encrypted messaging apps. “We are pursuing financial trails to identify the entire network,” an NIA spokesperson confirmed.
Security has been tightened across Punjab, with additional deployments at religious places. Political leaders have urged calm, while the opposition demanded accountability for the security lapse.
