Amritsar attack: Punjab Police detain Sikh hardliners for questioning

The Punjab Police have detained a few people having links to separatist organisations in connection with Sunday's grenade attack on a prayer meeting of the Nirankari sect in Amritsar, police sources said on Tuesday, November 20.

The Sikh hardliners were detained in raids conducted by various teams of the state police at different places, including in Amritsar and Bathinda districts.

The police have not, however, officially confirmed or denied the detentions.

Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Suresh Arora had earlier said that a "local hand" could be behind the grenade attack.

Police officials said that various leads were being followed in the grenade attack case to nab the culprits.

Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday, November 19, said the attack seemingly carried "Pakistan's signature", with initial probe indicating the grenade used was similar to the ones being manufactured by the Pakistani Army Ordinance factory.

"Prima facie, this appears to be an act of terror by separatist forces, organised with the involvement of ISI-backed Khalistani or Kashmiri terrorist groups.

"My government has taken serious note of the incident and is aggressively pursuing all angles of investigation," he said.

He also announced ₹50 lakh as reward for any information leading to the arrest of the assailants.

Three persons were killed and 20 injured when two motorcycle-borne youths threw a grenade at a religious congregation in Adliwal village in Rajasansi area, about 15 km from Amritsar, on Sunday, November 18.

All victims were sect followers from nearby villages who had gathered for the weekly religious meeting.

Two youths, their faces covered, rode to the venue of the Nirankari sect's congregation in Rajasansi area, lobbed the grenade and escaped, a police officer said. There were around 500 people at the venue.

The attack came amid a high alert issued by the Punjab Police that six-seven terrorists had entered the state.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and forensic experts were helping in the investigations.

The Chief Minister has said Sunday's attack was a clear case of terrorism and there was no religious connection to it.