IED blast outside BSF camp triggered using SIM card, Jalandhar blast accused arrested; mastermind based in Pakistan

Jalandhar (The Uttam Hindu): Police have detained the main accused in the IED blast case that took place on May 5 outside the Border Security Force headquarters in Jalandhar. According to sources, the arrested accused is a resident of Punjab. So far, nearly 17 accused persons have been arrested in connection with the case.

A shocking detail has also emerged during the investigation. According to sources, the accused had inserted his own SIM card into the IED device. Investigators believe the blast was triggered after a call was made to the same number connected to the explosive device. Sources further claimed that the explosives used in the IED were obtained from a person operating in the border area.

Reports suggest that the blast conspiracy was linked to Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti. The case is also suspected to have links with Inter-Services Intelligence. Gaurav Yadav had earlier stated that Pakistan’s involvement was suspected in the incident. Sources added that the terror conspiracy was allegedly planned under the direction of the ISI.

A large-scale operation is currently underway across Punjab in connection with the blast case. Till late Wednesday night, several teams of Jalandhar Police conducted search operations in Nakodar, Kapurthala, Nawanshahr, Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Hoshiarpur areas. During the raids, police also questioned several suspects.

Sources said that most of the detained youths were allegedly in contact with Shahzad Bhatti through social media platforms. In recent days, Jalandhar Police had also detained three youths from Nawanshahr over suspected links to the blast case. Following their interrogation, the search operations have been intensified further.