NIA charges four in connection with grenade attack on former Punjab minister Kalia's residence
New Delhi (Uttam Hindu News): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a charge sheet against four accused in the grenade attack case at the residence of former Punjab minister Manoranjan Kalia. The NIA announced this in a press release. The charge sheet was filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a special NIA court on Sunday. The charge sheet names two arrested accused, Saidul Amin (Amroha, Uttar Pradesh) and Abhijot Jangra (Kurukshetra, Haryana), and two absconding accused, Kulbir Singh Sidhu (Yamunanagar, Haryana) and Manish alias Kaka Rana (Karnal, Haryana). They have been charged under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and the Explosive Substances Act.
On the night of April 7, 2025, a grenade attack occurred at the residence of former minister Manoranjan Kalia in Jalandhar. Given the seriousness of the incident, the NIA took over the investigation on April 12. The investigation revealed that Kulbir Singh, an activist with the banned terrorist organization Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), along with his associate Manish, alias Kaka Rana, had formed a terrorist gang. The gang's objective was to target prominent leaders in Punjab, spread terror among the public, and raise funds for the BKI through extortion.
According to the NIA investigation, Manish conspired with Saidul Amin, who threw the grenade on the night of the attack. Kulbir Singh provided the grenade, while Abhijot Jangra provided the funding for the terrorist activities. Following the attack, Kulbir circulated a poster claiming responsibility for the conspiracy along with Manish. A Red Corner Notice has been issued against Kulbir Singh, and a reward of ₹10 lakh has been announced for his arrest.
The NIA previously filed a chargesheet against Kulbir in connection with the murder of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Prabhakar in April 2024 (Case RC-06/2024/NIA/DLI). The NIA has intensified its efforts to locate and arrest the absconding accused. Investigations are also underway to identify other BKI members active in India.