Chandigarh jail bomb plot: NIA files FIR under UAPA, to probe Khalistani terror angle

In a major development pertaining to Chandigarh jail bomb plot where a tiffin bomb was recovered nearby wall of Burail jail on April 23 and later defused by National Security Guard (NSG), Chandigarh police have now handed over case to National Investigation Agency (NIA) after a Khalistani terrorist angle was established. Accordingly, NIA has registered an FIR under Sections 13, 18 and 20 of UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) and Sections 3 and 4 of Explosive Substances act and will probe  case furr.

This comes after pro-Khalistani activist Jaswinder Singh Multani's name came up during investigation. It is pertinent to mention here that Multani is a close associate of SFJ founder Gurpatwant Singh Pannu. Since cross border terror link was established in case along with Khalistani angle, NIA has taken over case and registered FIR

As per FIR registered by NIA, "On 23.04.2022 around 7.30 PM, Amanjot Singh, Insp along with QRT of Operations Cell, was patrolling, and when y reached at back wall of Burail Jail, y saw flames of fire in bushes near wall. Patrolling team stopped immediately at spot to check flames and saw re was fire in bushes and a suspicious tiffin looking like IED, an object looking like detonator and a black colour bag was lying near tiffin. fire was about to reach tiffin and was extinguished. Accordingly, information was given to PS Sector 49, Chandigarh,  resulting into registration of FIR No. 33 dated 24.04.2022."

" Central Government has received information regarding registration of an FIR No 33 dated 24/04/2022 at PS Sector 49 UT Chandigarh... Central Government is of opinion that a Schedule offence under National Investigation Agency Act, 2008, has been committed and having regard to gravity of offence, and its ramifications on National Security, it is required to be investigated by National Investigation Agency in accordance with National! Investigation Agency Act, 2008," an excerpt from FIR re.

Chandigarh Jail bomb plot

Earlier on April 23, suspicious activity was reported on rear side of  Burail Jail soon after which a 'tiffin bomb' was discovered alongside a detonator. While area was cordoned off with heightened security, panic ensued in Sector 51 of planned northwestern city after an unclaimed bag was spotted nearby boundary structure of jail.  authorities informed that a bomb disposal team arrived at spot after incriminating materials were collected.

"Suspicious activity was noted behind Burail Jail in Chandigarh and as we reached spot, some objectionable material was found. When we called a bomb disposal team, we got to know that material was prima facie a burnt codex wire & a detonator," Kuldeep Singh, SSP Chandigarh said.

It is to be noted that a bomb squ was summoned shortly after bag was located after police team alerted police control room. "All teams including ambulance, fire brige...in place. We will be on standby, will move as and when we are asked to, in morning...It's (suspicious material) been covered to prevent any damage. whole area is cordoned off and we are taking every necessary measure," Nodal officer of Disaster Management Sanjeev Kohli told news agency ANI.