Petrol bomb hurled at BJP couple’s clinic in Punjab’s Bathinda

Petrol Bomb Attack on BJP Couple’s Clinic in Bathinda

Petrol bomb hurled at BJP couple – Two masked individuals launched a petrol bomb at the clinic of a BJP-linked homeopathic practitioner couple in Vishal Nagar, Bathinda, on Monday night, as reported by local law enforcement. The attack resulted in minor damage to a scooter parked near the facility, though no injuries were reported. Staff members quickly managed to douse the flames before they spread further.

Context of the Incident

The assault took place while Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was residing in the town for the night, ahead of planned public events. Police investigations revealed that the perpetrators approached the site on foot, with one person hurling the explosive and the other capturing video of the act.

Political Background of the Targets

Rajni Jindal, an executive member of the BJP’s district committee, and her spouse Tarsem Garg, who holds the position of chief warden in Bathinda’s civil defence corps, were recent additions to the BJP after their departure from the Aam Aadmi Party. The couple had been active in local politics, which may have made them targets of dissent.

“I had altered my usual routine of sleeping at the clinic, opting to stay home on the night of the attack,” Garg stated. “This raised concerns that my movements were being tracked.”

Threatening Communication

Following the explosion around midnight, Garg received a threatening WhatsApp call and text message from Shahzad Bhatti, a suspected Pakistan-based gangster believed to be affiliated with the ISI. The message hinted at potential future attacks, adding to the tension surrounding the incident.

Police Response and Evidence

Authorities reviewed CCTV footage to identify the suspects and found an unexploded petrol bottle at the scene. Deputy Inspector General Harjit Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Jyoti Yadav Bains examined the area, confirming the discovery. The Kotwali police have filed a case under multiple sections, including attempt to murder, mischief by fire or explosives, and the Explosives Act, with specialized teams now focusing on the investigation.