Grenade attack on Amritsar temple, cops probe Pakistan link

Two motorcycle-borne assailants hurled a hand grenade at a temple in Amritsar's Khandwala. The grenade attack on the Thakurdwara temple was captured on CCTV in the early hours of Saturday, police said.

The explosion, which occurred around 12:35 am on the night of March 14-15, caused panic in the area. No casualties were reported. CCTV footage shows two young men on a motorcycle carrying a flag. They briefly stopped outside the temple before hurling an object toward the premises. Moments later, a powerful explosion rocked the area as the attackers fled. The temple’s priest, who was inside at the time, escaped unhurt.

Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Bhullar has pointed to a possible Pakistan link to the attack. “Pakistan engages in such mischievous acts from time to time,” he stated. “We are actively investigating and making efforts to arrest the accused. The nature of the explosive is yet to be verified, but we are treating the matter with utmost seriousness.”

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated, “Efforts are made from time to time to disturb Punjab by some mischievous elements. Even drugs are part of it. The Moga incident was also cracked by the police. Punjab Police is proactive and has been provided with the latest equipment, so Punjab is fine as far as law and order is concerned.”

Authorities urged the residents to remain calm while police intensied their efforts to track down the perpetrators. An investigation is underway based on CCTV evidence.