Blast Outside Punjab BJP Leader In Jalandhar; Police Launch Probe
A blast was reported outside the residence of Punjab BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia in Jalandhar in the early hours of Tuesday. Police said they were monitoring the CCTV footage and investigating whether it was a grenade attack or something else.
The police were alerted about the blast at around 1 am after which they reached the spot and started the investigation, Jalandhar Police Commissioner, Dhanpreet Kaur told reporters, according to ANI.
A forensic team is also investigating the matter to ascertain whether it was a grenade attack or something else, the Police Commissioner said.
The Bharatiya Janata Party leader said there was a "blast" at around 1 am. "I was sleeping, and I thought that it was the sound of thunder."
"Later I was informed that a blast had taken place...after this, I sent my gunman to the police station...CCTV is being investigated; forensic experts are also present here...," Kalia said.
Police Probe Underway
Jalandhar Depty Commissioner of Police, Manpreet Singh confirmed the incident and told reporters that the forensic team will inspect and give the report. "The incident took place at the residence of Manoranjan Kalia," he said.
The BJP leader was reportedly safe, however, the blast had damaged a side door near the entrance, according to The Indian Express. The CCTV footage has revealed that the attacked arrived on an e-rickshaw, threw the grenade, and escaped using the same vehicle.
Following the incident, several BJP leaders visited Kalia's residence to check on him and show support.
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