In a brazen act of violence that has sent shockwaves through the city, a notorious gangster has claimed responsibility for a grenade attack on the residence of a travel agent in Jalandhar. The incident, which occurred on a Tuesday night, has prompted the local police to register a case and launch a high-level investigation, with potential links to terror modules being probed.
The Night of Terror in Jalandhar's Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar
The target of the attack was the house of travel agent Sunny, also known as Sunny Chutani, located in the Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar area. According to police reports, unidentified assailants arrived at the scene and lobbed a grenade at the property. While the explosive device was hurled with clear intent, it failed to detonate, averting a potential catastrophe. The attackers also reportedly opened fire at the house before fleeing the scene under the cover of darkness.
The local police, led by Station House Officer (SHO) Inspector Harvinder Singh, swiftly responded to the scene. A thorough examination was conducted, and the unexploded grenade was carefully recovered by the police team for forensic analysis. This critical piece of evidence is expected to provide crucial leads in identifying the perpetrators and their sources of weaponry.
Gangster's Claim and Police Investigation
The case took a significant turn when gangster Sukhpreet Singh, alias Budda, claimed responsibility for the assault. Budda, who is currently incarcerated, is a known figure with a criminal record. His claim has added a complex layer to the investigation, pushing the police to explore all possible angles, including personal enmity and broader criminal conspiracies.
In response to the incident, the Jalandhar police have officially registered a case under sections of the Indian Penal Code for attempted murder and the Arms Act. Given the use of a military-grade grenade, authorities are not ruling out a potential terror connection. The involvement of organized gangs and the possibility of them being used as proxies by terror outfits is a key line of inquiry. The police have indicated that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) may be brought into the investigation if substantial links to terrorism are established.
Context and Ongoing Menace
This attack is not an isolated event but part of a disturbing pattern in the region. It bears a resemblance to previous incidents where gangsters have been used to carry out targeted violence, often with sophisticated weapons. The police are actively working to dismantle the networks that supply such arms and are scrutinizing the jail communications of incarcerated gangsters like Budda to uncover any masterminds or coordinators operating from behind bars.
The safety of the victim, Sunny Chutani, and his family is now a paramount concern. The police have assured that they are taking all necessary measures for their protection while the hunt for the assailants intensifies. The investigation aims to answer critical questions: Was this a personal vendetta, or is it a symptom of a larger, more sinister plot involving interstate gangsters and terror modules? The recovery of the live grenade is a stark reminder of the severe threat posed by such criminal elements.
The Jalandhar police remain on high alert, combing through CCTV footage, interrogating known criminals, and collaborating with state and central agencies. The coming days are crucial for unraveling the conspiracy and preventing any further attempts to disrupt the peace in Punjab.
