The “grenade blast” that rocked Chandigarh’s posh Sector-10 has been linked to a terror conspiracy, masterminded by ISI-backed Pakistan-based terrorist Harwinder Singh alias Rinda, and USA-based gangster Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia. Punjab Police, in a joint operation with central agencies, arrested the prime perpetrator, identified as Rohan Masih, recovering a sophisticated 9mm Glock pistol from him. The grenade used in the incident, smuggled into India using drones, was military-grade — intensifying concerns about the increasing influence of cross-border terror networks.
Confirming the arrest, the state Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav revealed that Masih had strong connections to Happy Passia, who had orchestrated the attack from abroad. This sinister plot is believed to have targeted a specific individual in Chandigarh, as a similar attempt at the same location was foiled last year. The arrest of Masih is seen as a major breakthrough in unravelling this cross-border terror operation, with Punjab Police continuing to coordinate efforts to apprehend all involved.
Authorities believed that the grenade attack was meticulously planned, with Rohan Masih receiving instructions, weapons, and financial aid from Passia, who arranged the logistics through his network. Punjab Police and central agencies are investigating the larger terror conspiracy, which appears to be an attempt to create unrest in the region.
On Wednesday evening, two unidentified individuals arrived in an auto-rickshaw, with one of them lobbing a grenade into a house in Sector 10, a prestigious residential area of Chandigarh. The quick response by Chandigarh Police and immediate spot investigations uncovered the presence of military-grade explosives, sparking concerns about the growing reach of cross-border terror operations in the region.
Preliminary investigations revealed a complex web of connections. Rohan Masih, the arrested suspect, had been living and working in Jammu and Kashmir for the past few years. His ties to USA-based Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia were forged through their shared village in Amritsar. Passia, who has been coordinating with Pak-based terrorist Rinda, instructed Masih to carry out the attack, promising financial rewards and logistical support. During questioning, Masih confessed to executing the grenade blast under direct orders from Passia, who had arranged for the weaponry and finances through his associates.
The grenade blast is now seen as part of a larger terror conspiracy targeting a specific individual. AIG State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) Amritsar, Sukhwinder Singh Mann, disclosed that this attack mirrored a previous attempt at the same location last year. That attempt had been foiled by Punjab Police, leading to the arrest of two operatives from the same terror group — Bikramjit Singh alias Raja, and Bawa Singh — both hailing from Punjab.
Authorities believed that the Sector 10 location was targeted due to its importance in previous operations. The fact that the group attempted to strike the same spot twice points to a long-standing vendetta and careful planning by cross-border networks. DGP Yadav stressed that further investigations are underway, and police are on the lookout for the second assailant, with raids being conducted across multiple locations.
Punjab Police secures deportation of fugitive Amritpal from Austria
Punjab Police, in coordination with central agencies, has successfully deported fugitive Amritpal Singh from Austria, bringing him back to India to face charges for numerous heinous crimes. Amritpal Singh, a resident of Bhoma village in Batala, had been evading arrest since 2022 and had applied for political asylum in Austria. He was taken into custody upon his arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, early Friday morning.
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Friday announced the successful deportation on his official ‘X’ handle (formerly Twitter), praising the relentless efforts of Punjab Police and their collaboration with central agencies.
Amritpal Singh, a proclaimed offender, had been involved in serious criminal activities, including murder, attempted murder, drug trafficking, and violations under the Arms Act. His escape from India took him through Dubai and Serbia before settling in Austria. Despite attempts to secure political asylum, Punjab Police ensured his repatriation.
DGP Yadav commended the Batala Police team, led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Suhail Qasim Mir, and Punjab Police's Internal Security Wing for their perseverance. SSP Mir noted that international cooperation was crucial in bringing Amritpal Singh back to India, ensuring he will now face justice for his crimes.
