2022 Mohali blast

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The 2022 Mohali blast was a rocket-propelled grenade attack on the intelligence wing headquarters of the Punjab Police situated in Mohali, Punjab, India. [1] [2] [3] The attack was committed on 10 May 2022. Banned terrorist outfit Sikhs for Justice took responsibility for the attack. [4] [5]

Contents

Background

Explosives found in Chandigarh

On 24 April 2022, Police found a bag containing explosives near the Chandigarh's Burail Jail. The bomb disposal squad of National Security Guard (NSG) was rushed in to defuse the bomb. [6]

Khalistan Flags

On 9 May 2022, the main gate of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly complex were found to be tied with Khalistani flags. The walls of the complex were also scrawled with slogans. [7] Later that evening, DGP Sanjay Kundu directed all senior police officers “to seal all inter-state borders and keep strict vigil at the places of probable hideouts” of the miscreants. The senior officials were also directed to keep the special security units, bomb disposal squads and quick reaction teams on high alert and “strengthen the security of dams, railway stations, bus stands, government buildings and vital installations”. He also cited the threat posed by the outlawed Sikhs for Justice announcing 6 June as voting date for Khalistan Referendum in Himachal Pradesh. [7] Banned outfit Sikhs For Justice claimed the responsibility of raising the flags. [8]

Incident

The explosion was heard at 7:45 PM on the police building in the sector 77, Mohali. [1] [3]

As per the police briefing,

“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. [1]

Hours after the blast on intelligence department of Punjab police, another blast of low intensity was reported in Mohali. [9]

Aftermath

Pakistan was suspected of aiding the terrorists and multiple people were detained. [10] [11] [12]

Reactions

Indian National Congress told the Chief minister of Punjab to set their priorities right. [13]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 "Blast at Punjab Police's intelligence office in Mohali: Key points". The Times of India. 10 May 2022. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  2. "Mohali blast: CCTV footage shows moment rocket-propelled grenade hit Punjab Intelligence headquarters". Free Press Journal. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  3. 1 2 "Mohali blast: 'Never heard such a loud explosion before'". The Indian Express. 11 May 2022. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  4. Barinderjit Saluja (11 May 2022). "Mohali Attack: Banned outfit SFJ claims responsibility for Mohali attack, 20 suspects held". The Times of India. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  5. "Mohali blast: Terror group SFJ claims responsibility; launcher used to fire grenade recovered". TimesNow. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  6. Sehgal, Manjeet (24 April 2022). "Explosive device found near Chandigarh's Burail jail, bomb disposal squad on spot". India Today. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  7. 1 2 "Khalistan flags spring up at Assembly gate, Himachal seals state borders". The Indian Express. 9 May 2022. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  8. "'We raised flag at Dharamshala': Terror group SFJ warns Himachal CM to 'learn something from Mohali attack'". TimesNow. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  9. "Breaking: Hours after RPG attack, second blast reported in Punjab's Mohali". DNA India. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  10. "2 detained for blast in Mohali, Pakistan terrorist's role suspected". Tribuneindia News Service. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  11. Sehgal, Manjeet (10 May 2022). "Mohali blast part of bigger conspiracy against Punjab? Police zero in on Pak-based terrorist's role". India Today. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  12. "'Pak-based gangster' is key suspect in Mohali 'terror' attack". The Indian Express. 11 May 2022. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  13. "Set your priorities right: Congress tells Punjab CM Mann after Mohali blast". ThePrint. 10 May 2022. Retrieved 11 May 2022.