In a significant development in the Chandigarh grenade attack case, Punjab Police have arrested Vishal Masih, the second suspect linked to the incident. The arrest was made in Delhi on September 15, 2024. This follows the earlier detention of Rohan Masih, the primary suspect, on September 13. Both individuals are accused of carrying out a grenade blast at a residence in Sector 10, an upscale area of Chandigarh, on September 11.
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav confirmed the arrest of Vishal Masih, a resident of Raimal village in Batala, Gurdaspur. According to Yadav, Masih was apprehended based on leads from various sources and intelligence gathered by the Punjab Police in coordination with central agencies. The arrest marks a crucial step in unraveling the full extent of the conspiracy behind the grenade attack.
The initial breakthrough in the investigation came with the arrest of Rohan Masih, who has been identified as a key player in the grenade blast. During his interrogation, Rohan Masih reportedly confessed to his role in the attack and revealed that he acted under the instructions of Harpreet Singh, also known as Happy Passia, an individual based in the United States. Passia, according to police sources, orchestrated the logistics and finances required for the attack.
Further investigations have indicated that the grenade attack was masterminded by Pakistan-based terrorist Harwinder Singh Rinda. Rinda is allegedly supported by Pakistan’s spy agency, ISI. The conspiracy also involved Happy Passia, who is suspected of providing the grenade and other weapons through his associates.
Punjab Police, with support from central agencies, have been working diligently to piece together the full picture of the attack. The arrest of Vishal Masih is seen as a major development in this process. The authorities are continuing their investigation to uncover all individuals involved and understand the broader network that facilitated the attack.
The police have issued a cash reward of Rs 2 lakh for information leading to the arrest of suspects connected to the grenade blast. This move is part of an effort to gather more information and advance the investigation.
The grenade attack has raised significant concerns about the security situation in the region, particularly given its links to external terrorist networks and organized crime. The incident also highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in countering both domestic and international threats.
Authorities are determined to pursue all leads and ensure that those responsible for planning and executing the attack are brought to justice. The cooperation between Punjab Police and central agencies is expected to be crucial in resolving the case and preventing similar incidents in the future.
The arrest of Vishal Masih, following the earlier detention of Rohan Masih, marks an important step in the investigation of the Chandigarh grenade attack. The ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies aim to fully uncover the conspiracy and hold all perpetrators accountable. The case underscores the complex nature of modern security threats and the need for vigilant and coordinated responses from authorities.