Blasts outside clubs near police station raise security concerns

Amit Sharma

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 26

Two crude bomb blasts outside clubs in Sector 26, which are located just 100 metres from the police station and the Operation Cell unit, a counter-terrorism wing, have raised questions over the security measures and alertness of the UT police.

The perpetrators of the crime, who were reportedly riding a motorcycle, first targeted “Seville”, a bar and lounge owned by rapper Badshah, around 3:15 am. Minutes later, they carried out another blast at De’Orra, a club situated just 30 metres away.

Despite the blasts occurring in the close proximity, it was only after the police received a call around 3:30 am that they got to know about the crime.

A team was immediately rushed to the crime scene. Later, the teams of Central Forensic Science Laboratory and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) also joined the probe. Personnel of the Punjab Police State Special Operations Cell also visited the spot for investigation in the morning.

The CCTV footage of various junctions in the city has revealed that the attackers fled towards Mohali. Sources said the motorcycle used in the crime carried fake registration plates.

Meanwhile, forensic teams collected evidence from the blast sites. Preliminary findings indicate the use of low-intensity explosives.

The police are exploring multiple angles, including extortion, rivalry and personal enmity, in the case. The sources said the possibility of the attackers attempting to threaten the club owners, potentially over demands for protection money or settling scores, couldn’t be ruled out.

The police said the De’Orra club was owned by a Kishangarh resident, who was recently convicted in a 10-year-old case of extortion and sentenced to two-year rigorous imprisonment. He, along with two others, was booked in January 2015 for extorting money from school students. “In view of his criminal history, we are also investigating about his personal rivalry with someone,” said a police official

Meanwhile, a case under Section 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and 3 (causing explosion likely to endanger life or property) and 4 (attempt to cause explosion) of the Explosives Substances Act has been registered at the Sector 26 police station.

Extortion calls are frequently received by the club and restaurant owners of the city. Many calls go unreported.

Assailants’ bike bore fake number plate

The CCTV footage of various junctions of the city suggests the suspects fled towards Mohali. The registration number of the motorcycle turned out to be fake.

bouncer attacked in Sept

In September, 40-year-old Gurjeet Singh, who worked as a bouncer at the De’Orra club, was attacked near Dhanas while he was returning home in his SUV. Two gunshots were fired but he escaped unhurt. The Punjab police had arrested two associates of Goldy Brar gang in the case.