Blast at Punjab Police’s intelligence office in Mohali: Key points | India News – Times of India

A rocket-propelled grenade hit the Intelligence Wing headquarters of Punjab Police in Mohali on Monday night, shattering windowpanes on one of the floors of the building. However, no one was injured in the explosion, which political parties termed “disturbing” and “shocking”.
The explosion took place at around 7.45 pm at the office located at sector 77 in Mohali.
The windowpanes on one of the floors of the building were shattered because of the explosion.
“A minor explosion was reported at the Punjab Police Intelligence Headquarters in sector 77, SAS Nagar at around 7.45 PM. No damage has been reported. Senior officers are on the spot and an investigation is being done. Forensic teams have been called,” the Mohali police said in a statement.
The explosion came close on the heels of the recovery of an explosive device near Burail Jail in Chandigarh on April 24.
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES ON ALERT
Central intelligence agencies like the Intelligence Bureau, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Military Intelligence (MI) and intelligence Wing of Border Security Force (BSF) have intensified their operations to gather details into the incident.
A senior official associated with a Central intelligence agency said that it is suspected that a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) was used in the attack and it is an unusual thing. “In the past grenade attacks have happened but the use of RPGs is worrying for everyone,” said a senior official.
“On May 9, Himachal Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) had issued an alert in the state in the view of Khalistani elements in Neighbouring states and the hosting of banners and graffiti of Khalistan on the outer boundary of Vidhan Sabha,” he said.
He further said that Punjab Police has also issued an alert after the blast in Mohali. But instead of written communication, they have verbally communicated to all Police officers to be on alert, the official added.
CULPRITS WON’T BE SPARED, SAYS PUNJAB CM
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said that police has begun an investigation into the Mohali blast stating that those who attempted to spoil the atmosphere of the state will not be spared. Mann, according to sources, has also called for a meeting at his residence today with DGP and other senior officers to seek a report on the course of action taken so far.
“Police is investigating the blast in Mohali. Whoever tried to spoil the atmosphere of our Punjab will not be spared,” Mann posted on Twitter in today.

KEJRIWAL TERMS MOHAI BLAST ‘A COWARDLY ACT’, SAYS CULPRITS WON’T BE SPARED
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday termed the Mohali blast “a cowardly act” and said all culprits will be punished severely.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor said the Punjab government will not allow people to disturb the peace of the state. “Mohali blast is a cowardly act of those who want to disturb the peace of Punjab. Aam Aadmi Party’s Punjab government will not allow those people’s wishes to be fulfilled. Peace will be maintained under all circumstances with the cooperation of all the people of Punjab and the culprits will be punished severely,” he said.

WHO SAID WHAT
Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh expressed shock over the explosion and urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to take strict action against those who were behind this incident.
“ Shocked to hear about the blast at the @PunjabPoliceInd Intelligence headquarter in Mohali. Thankfully nobody was hurt. This brazen attack on our police force is deeply concerning and I urge CM @BhagwantMann to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice at the earliest,” said Singh in a tweet.

Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said, “Disturbing news of a blast at the @PunjabPoliceInd intelligence bureau building in Mohali. Praying for everyone’s safety and well-being.”

Former Punjab Home Minister and Congress MLA Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa dubbed the explosion as a “sign of deep communalism”.
“The bomb blast in Mohali is a sign of deep communalism. I strongly condemn this incident and urge the @PunjabPoliceInd to investigate and take stern action against those who are intent on disturbing the peace of Punjab,” said Randhawa who is also a legislator from Dera Baba Nanak.

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal said he was deeply shocked at the blast.
“Deeply shocked at the blast at Punjab Police’s Intelligence Bureau HQs, Mohali, exposing serious security lapses and highlighting once again the deteriorating law & order situation in Punjab. Thorough probe required to expose & punish those responsible,” said Badal in a tweet.
(With inputs from agencies)