ISI, Bishnoi Gang Behind Grenade Attack on BJP Leader Kalia’s House: Punjab Police
Just hours after the grenade attack on senior BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia’s residence in Jalandhar, the Punjab Police on Tuesday announced the arrest of two suspects and claimed the incident was part of a broader conspiracy orchestrated by Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), aimed at fueling communal unrest in the state.
Addressing a press conference, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Arpit Shukla stated that the attack was planned in coordination with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. According to police, gangsters Zeeshan Akhtar and Shahzad Bhatti—both accused in the high-profile murder of Mumbai real estate developer Baba Siddiqui—were key handlers who facilitated the supply of explosives and identified the attackers.
"Preliminary investigations suggest a larger conspiracy by the ISI to disturb communal harmony in Punjab. The plot was executed by Zeeshan Akhtar, a known associate of Lawrence Bishnoi, along with Pakistan-based handler Shahzad Bhatti, who is linked to the ISI," said Shukla.
Police believe the attackers may also have ties to Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operative Harwinder Singh alias Rinda and gangster Happy Passia. While Shukla did not elaborate on the exact evidence connecting the suspects to Bishnoi or BKI, he emphasized that the case had been cracked within 12 hours, thanks to joint efforts by Punjab Police and central intelligence agencies.
An e-rickshaw used in the attack has been seized, and raids are ongoing to apprehend additional individuals involved. Shukla declined to label the incident an "intelligence failure," though it was noted that ADGP (Intelligence) RK Jaiswal was transferred the previous evening without being assigned a new post.
“This is part of a larger operation, and more details will be shared as the investigation progresses,” Shukla added.
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