Bathinda, June 23: A specialized forensic probe has been launched in Bathinda following a targeted petrol bomb attack on a medical clinic on Mela Ram Road. The neighborhood, which houses the newly established Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh headquarters, was placed under strict security surveillance immediately after the blast occurred late Monday evening.
The clinic is operated by a prominent medical family that recently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party after leaving the Aam Aadmi Party. The explosion caused minor property damage, including a charred window and a damaged two-wheeler, though all staff members inside escaped unharmed. The timing of the attack coincided directly with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s arrival in the city for a series of official engagements.
The gravity of the situation intensified after the family received an anonymous international call following the explosion. Dr Rajni Garg, a homoeopathic physician who previously ran for office as a BJP candidate, answered the communication.
Dr Tarsem Garg maintained, “About two hours after the incident, my wife received a WhatsApp call from a foreign number. The caller introduced himself as Shahzad Bhatti. When she asked who he was, he told her to search for him on Google and then disconnected the call.”
Security agencies identified the caller’s moniker as belonging to a known terrorist entity based in Pakistan. Police teams quickly cordoned off the entire Vishal Nagar locality to preserve evidence and review available video surveillance.
SP City Narinder Singh declared, “We received information that two unidentified youths had thrown a petrol bomb at the clinic in Vishal Nagar. We inspected the spot, cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. Various teams are working on the case. We have some leads, but it would not be appropriate to disclose them at this stage.”
CCTV footage captured two individuals approaching the property, igniting the device, and fleeing the scene before the arrival of first responders. Clinic staff managed to contain the resulting flames before major structural damage could occur.
Dr Tarsem Garg stated, “Two employees were present at the clinic when the attack took place. They informed me over the phone that a blast had occurred and that they had extinguished the fire. After reaching the clinic and watching the CCTV footage, I found that two persons had lit a petrol bomb and hurled it at the premises. Senior police officers visited the spot, and I hope swift action will be taken.”
Local administration officials stated that the Chief Minister’s three scheduled events for Tuesday would proceed as planned under enhanced security protocols. Senior officers continue to monitor the locality to ensure public order.
SSP Jyoti Yadav affirmed, “The CIA team and forensic experts have collected samples from the site. Petrol is easily available, and it appears that some miscreants carried out the attack. The investigation is under way.”
