NIA arrests key associate of KLF terror operatives in Amritsar temple grenade attack

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a key associate of the two Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF)-linked terror operatives who carried out a grenade attack on a temple in Amritsar district in March this year. Bhagwant Singh alias Manna Bhatti, who was absconding, was apprehended on Wednesday from Akalgarh village in Amritsar, bringing the total number of arrests in the case to four.

According to the NIA investigation, the attack was carried out by Gursidak Singh and Vishal alias Chuchi, who threw a hand grenade at Thakur Dwara Sanatan Mandir in Amritsar. The proscribed terror organisation KLF claimed responsibility for the attack. Gursidak Singh was killed in a police shootout after the temple attack, while Vishal was arrested. Two other men, identified as Diwan Singh alias Sunny and Sahib Singh alias Saba, were also arrested in the case.

According to the NIA investigation, Bhagwant, who had been absconding since the incident, knowingly provided shelter to Gursidak and Vishal. The duo stayed with Bhagwant during the planning of the terror attack and also thereafter. The grenade used in the attack was also concealed behind Bhagwant’s house with his knowledge. Further investigation revealed that Bhagwant Singh had received terror funds in his bank account.

The NIA is continuing its investigation in the case as part of its crackdown against KLF associates in India and the terror outfit’s foreign-based nodes.

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