'Involvement of pro-Khalistanis, drug mafia indicated': DGP Chattopadhyaya on Ludhiana blast

In the latest development to Ludhiana court blast, newly appointed Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Sidharth Chattopadhyaya chaired a press conference on Saturday. Ahead of elections,the blast which rocked the state is allegedly being linked to pro-Khalistani organisations.

Here’s what DGP Chattopadhyaya revealed in his first press briefing after being appointed to the top post.

• Praising the Punjab police and other investigative teams which worked on the Ludhiana court blast, DGP Chattopadhyaya said “with the support of intelligence and central agencies,Ludhiana police were able to solve the blast case in less than 24 hours.”

• We recovered tattered clothes, a mobile phone and a SIM at the scene of blast. The deceased had a tattoo on his arm by which he was identified.

• The person killed in the Ludhiana Court Blast was carrying the explosives. He has been identified as former cop Gagandeep Singh.

• Singh was dismissed from services in 2019 for possessing 385g heroine. His accomplices Amandeep and Vikas were also apprehended with drugs.

• The ex-cop spent two years in jail and was released on bail.

• "We believe he transitioned from narcotics to the mafia to bombs during his period in jail. We can not disclose much. He did, however, have connections with foreign agencies as wellas narcotics smugglers, the drug mafia, and Khalistanis,” said DGP.

Also Read: Over 2kg RDX used for blast in Ludhiana court complex: Reports

• On being asked about the motive behind the blast, the DGP said that there could be a “personal motive”, however, we can’t deny the involvement of narco-terrorist organisationsin the incident.”

• “The ex-cop was technically sound. He was fixing the explosive in the washroom when it went off. There could be a personal motive behind his actions. His court hearing was approachingand the blast could be done to threaten the judiciary,” said Mr Chattopadhyaya.

• “Preliminary investigation indicates that pro-Khalistani organisations and drug mafia are behind the blast. The deceased accused was in contact with foreign terror groups.”

• “The accused was a lone wolf. However, an investigation is underway and we can’t disclose much,” said DGP.

• The narcotics industry today generates revenue of 40,000 crores and there could be a large army of sleeper cells. But, all Punjab police personnel have joined hands with STF and are dedicatedto eliminating narco-terrorism.

• When asked about arrests in the blast case, the DGP said, "we have made progress and have arrested one more individual. We are investigating the external conspiracy."

• Meanwhile, talking about the sacrilege at Golden temple, Mr Chattopadhyaya stated that the man has not been identified yet. An investigation is underway.

• On the Kapurthala incident, DGP clarified it is not a case of sacrilege. Mentioning the killing as mob lynching, the DGP said a case will be filed and police are investigating.