Chandigarh police are investigating a blast that occurred at a house in Sector 10, Chandigarh, which is believed to have been targeted at retired Superintendent of Police (SP) Jaskirat Singh Chahal. The incident, which took place on the night of September 11, 2024, has led to new revelations connecting the attack to a Khalistani extremist group.
A day after the explosion, a social media post surfaced from an account associated with US-based Khalistani gangster Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passia. The post claimed responsibility for the blast, suggesting it was an act of retaliation for police encounters during the 1980s Punjab militancy. Passia, who reportedly leads a terror module, has been linked to a broader network involved in anti-India activities.
Chandigarh Police have cordoned off the area around house number 575, where the blast occurred, and a team from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) has been collecting evidence. The former SP, Jaskirat Singh Chahal, had resided in the house on the first floor until two years ago before moving due to a perceived threat. Police had previously alerted Chahal about a potential threat, prompting his relocation.
Two suspects, who reportedly fled the scene in an autorickshaw hired from the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) in Sector 43, have been identified. The autorickshaw driver, Kuldeep Singh, was arrested and is being questioned. He revealed that the suspects traveled through various sectors in Chandigarh before and after the blast. The police are examining whether Singh was involved or simply unaware of their intentions.
The attack has been linked to a terror module operating under Happy Passia, with potential ties to other militant factions. In 2023, Punjab Police arrested operatives connected to the Babbar Khalsa International group, whose members were involved in previous attacks and had a known association with Passia. Although Passia’s claim of responsibility and his connection to the attack are under scrutiny, preliminary investigations suggest a significant link to past terror plots.
In response to the incident, Chandigarh Police have announced a ₹2 lakh reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspects. The police have urged anyone with information to contact them through their control room or WhatsApp number.
As the investigation continues, police are working to verify the authenticity of the social media post and establish a definitive connection between the blast and the terror module led by Passia. The situation remains under close scrutiny as authorities aim to uncover further details and ensure the safety of the public.
Sources By Agencies