New Delhi, Oct 5: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against 11 individuals involved in the April 6 rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attack on the Qila Lal Singh police station in Batala district, Punjab. The attack was orchestrated by the banned Khalistani outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), officials said on Saturday.
The chargesheet, filed before a special NIA court in Mohali, names 11 arrested accused who have been charged under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Arms Act, and the Explosive Substances Act. Another 11 accused have been declared absconders.
According to the agency, foreign-based BKI handlers Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia, Mannu Agwan, and Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi Navasherian claimed responsibility for the attack. The NIA said the strike was executed to “spread terror” and “further the agenda of anti-India elements.”
Investigations revealed that the conspiracy was masterminded by BKI operatives based abroad who exploited family ties and personal vulnerabilities to recruit and radicalise Punjab youth through social media.
The NIA, which took over the case from Punjab Police in May, said it continues to pursue absconding accused and other potential conspirators.
“The agency remains committed to dismantling the foreign terror network behind this and other attacks targeting India’s internal security,” the statement added.