A dramatic scene unfolded in Moga on Thursday after Punjab Police temporarily stopped the convoy of Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, who was heading to the Moga Sadar Police Station to assess the situation following Wednesday's low-intensity blast at the police station complex.
Reason of the stop
Police had set up heavy barricades on the Ludhiana-Moga road near the city's entrance, citing heightened security measures in the aftermath of the explosion. As a result, Bittu's convoy was halted before it could reach the police station. The move led to a tense standoff, with the Union Minister questioning why he was being prevented from visiting the site. A lengthy exchange took place between Bittu, members of his team and DSP Jatinder Singh Gill, who was overseeing the security arrangements at the spot. After several minutes of discussion, the police removed the barricades and allowed Bittu's convoy to proceed to the Moga Sadar Police Station
Conversation with DSP Gill
Explaining the police action, DSP Gill said the restrictions were imposed as part of enhanced security arrangements following the blast that took place at the police station on Wednesday. He maintained that the measures were purely precautionary to ensure public safety and to avoid interference with the ongoing investigation.
Blast at the police station
The explosion occurred on Wednesday evening when unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants allegedly hurled an explosive object, suspected to be a hand grenade, at the Moga Sadar Police Station located on the Moga-Ferozepur Highway before fleeing the scene. Although the blast caused panic among local residents and police personnel, officials confirmed that no injuries or major damage to the police station were reported.
Investigation on the matter
Following the incident, forensic experts and anti-sabotage teams were deployed to the site to collect evidence. Investigators have also begun examining CCTV footage from nearby areas and the highway in an effort to identify those responsible for the attack.
"If police stations themselves are being targeted, it raises serious concerns about the state's security situation"
Speaking to the media after reaching the police station, Bittu expressed concern over what he described as the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab. He alleged that gangsters and extortion networks had become increasingly active in the state and questioned the government's ability to maintain security.
"If police stations themselves are being targeted, it raises serious concerns about the state's security situation," Bittu said, adding that he had come to Moga to assess the situation firsthand and express solidarity with the police personnel.
