Two Pak-based terrorists charge sheeted by NIA in 2024 Chandigarh grenade attack

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Chandigarh, March 23 (IANS) A charge sheet was filed in a Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court here against four terror operatives of the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist organisation in the 2024 Chandigarh grenade attack case, an official said on Sunday.

Pakistan-based Designated Individual Terrorist Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda, and US-based Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia, who are among the four charge sheeted, have been accused of providing logistical support, terror funds, weapons, and ammunition to attackers on the ground.

All four accused persons have been charged under multiple sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosive Substances Act, and other related provisions, for their roles in planning and supporting the attack.

The charge sheet said that Rinda and Passia were the primary handlers and conspirators behind the attack.

The September 2024 attack was intended to target a retired officer of the Punjab Police, who the assailants believed to be the occupant of the house.

Investigations revealed that Rinda, along with Happy Passia, had orchestrated the conspiracy to strike terror among law enforcement officials and the general public through the grenade attack, as part of the broader aim to promote BKI’s terrorist agenda.

They recruited local operatives, namely Rohan Masih and Vishal Masih, who were tasked with carrying out the attack under their direct instructions.

Rinda and Happy directed the other accused, Rohan Masih and Vishal Masih, to conduct reconnaissance on the target twice before hurling the grenade, investigations revealed.

The NIA said that investigations in the case are continuing and efforts were on to track down other members of the BKI terror group and dismantle its network in India.

Earlier on March 11, the NIA Special Court in Mohali (Punjab) sentenced nine accused to imprisonment in a case of drone dropping of explosives and arms linked with designated individual terrorists Gurmeet Singh @Bagga and Ranjeet Singh@ Neeta.

The court found the accused guilty under various sections of IPC, UAPA, Arms Act and Explosives Substances Act in the case, linked with the proscribed terrorist organisation Khalistan Zindabad Force.

–IANS

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Maha Kumbh: 300 sanitation workers create history with Guinness World Record

Prayagraj, Feb 14 (IANS) In a groundbreaking achievement, 300 sanitation workers at the Maha Kumbh 2025 have made history by securing a Guinness World Record for the first-ever coordinated river cleaning effort.

This unprecedented feat took place at multiple Ganga sectors during the Maha Kumbh festival.

According to the CEO of the Maha Kumbh Mela, Akanksha Rana, this is the world’s first Guinness record for a large-scale river cleaning event involving 300 workers.

She also hinted that more such records will follow as part of the ongoing cleanliness campaign. In total, 15,000 sanitation workers are expected to join the effort in the coming days.

Speaking with IANS, Akanksha Rana said, “Today marks a historic first in the world, where 300 sanitation workers have come together to clean the Ganga at various locations. This initiative aims to send a powerful message to the nation and the world: Keep our rivers and water bodies clean for the safety of all.

“This is just the beginning — further records will be set by the Mela Administration, including the cleaning of the Ganga by 15,000 workers, and street sweeping activities will also be carried out simultaneously at multiple spots.”

Anand Kumar Singh, another prominent figure at the Maha Kumbh Mela, added, “This historic record was made today at Ram Ghat, where sanitation workers and volunteers came together to clean the river. With over 500 million people expected to visit the Mela, cleanliness becomes a paramount issue.

“We launched a large-scale cleanliness campaign, and our workers are diligently cleaning each ghat. Tomorrow, 15,000 workers will join in the effort to ensure cleanliness across the entire event. My message is clear: Contribute to cleanliness wherever you are and pass on the importance of this to future generations.”

Manoj, one of the sanitation workers, expressed his pride, saying, “It feels great to be part of this historic event. We are working hard to clean all three Sangam Ghats, and we hope this initiative inspires everyone to keep their areas clean. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited in 2019, a record was also set, and it was a memorable experience. Today, the energy and enthusiasm are just as strong, and we are all motivated to keep our environment clean.”

Sonu Kumar, another sanitation worker, shared his thoughts, saying, “It was wonderful to be part of this effort. Seeing 300 people working together is inspiring. This reminds me of the 2019 event when sanitation workers were honoured in the presence of PM Modi. Today, it feels just as special, and we all understand the importance of keeping our ghats and rivers clean. It was an amazing experience, and I’m still filled with joy.”

The ongoing Maha Kumbh 2025 has witnessed a record-breaking turnout, with an estimated 46 to 47 crore devotees participating in the sacred event so far.

–IANS

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BSF nabs 7 B’deshi infiltrators, 3 Indian touts along India-Bangladesh border

Kolkata, Feb 7 (IANS) The Border Security Force (BSF) said that it has successfully apprehended seven Bangladeshi nationals and three Indian touts in a meticulously planned and executed operation in West Bengal’s Nadia and Murshidabad districts.

The Bangladeshis, all illegal immigrants, were allegedly trying to flee through the international border due to the ongoing nationwide operations to identify and detain foreigners living in India without valid documents.

“This was a major success. Troops of the 146 Bn BSF acted on reliable information about movement across the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) which is already on alert due to the situation in the neighbouring country,” said N.K. Pandey, DIG and spokesperson, South Bengal Frontier, BSF.

According to him, the operation started around 5 a.m. on Thursday after a patrol party from the Jalangi Border Outpost spotted a group of 6-7 persons attempting to cross the IBB.

Despite a swift reaction, only two persons could be apprehended. The others took advantage of the dense fog and rushed back to Indian territory. A search operation was launched immediately, but there was no trace of the remaining members of the group. Only three bags were recovered during the search.

“During questioning, the two confessed that they were Bangladeshi nationals attempting to flee India with the help of a tout from the Madhubana village on the Indian side of the IBB. There were five other Bangladeshi nationals in the group, they said. While this was going on, the mobile phone of one of the Bangladeshis started to ring.

“He was asked to receive the call and speak in a normal way. The call was from the tout who was aiding them in crossing the IBB illegally. The Bangladeshi was told to tell the tout that they had managed to escape and were hiding near the customs office in Jalangi. The tout turned up at the specified location and was arrested by BSF personnel already present there. A motorcycle and a mobile phone were seized,” the DIG said.

During questioning, the tout revealed that the remaining Bangladeshis were hiding in a dense banana plantation near Gopalpur Ghat. BSF troops, dressed as civilians, reached the spot in an auto-rickshaw and an ambulance.

The tout was then made to call the five illegal immigrants and tell them to come out as there was no threat.

The Bangladeshis left their hiding places and were apprehended around 9 a.m.

“Further questioning followed, during which it came to light that there were two other Indian touts involved in such cross-border activity, charging Rs 7,000 per person. The tout who was arrested was made to call up the two others and say that all seven Bangladeshis were safe and waiting to cross the IBB.

“He also told them that they were ready to pay Rs 7,000 per person. The touts agreed to wait at Chichinia More. BSF troops reached the location, disguised as illegal immigrants, and rounded up the two. One of them attempted to attack a BSF personnel with a sharp-edged weapon, but was overpowered,” Pandey added.

Apart from the motorcycle, 16 mobile phones and Indian, Bangladeshi, Kenyan and Indonesian currencies were seized from the accused.

The DIG claimed that this successful operation had dealt a crushing blow on the network of infiltrators and touts operating along the IBB.

–IANS

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Significant milestone, says EAM Jaishankar on inauguration of US Consulate in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jan 17 (IANS) The US opened its consulate in Bengaluru on Friday, marking a significant step in enhancing diplomatic ties between India and the United States.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and US Ambassador Eric Garcetti among other dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering, EAM Jaishankar remarked, “The inauguration of the US Consulate in Bengaluru is a significant milestone, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the people of Bengaluru and Karnataka. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has taken steps to address this need. This consulate provides an exceptional platform for the people of Karnataka to connect with global aspirations. Being part of this event has brought me immense happiness.”

He later posted on X also, saying: “Pleased to join the opening ceremony of the US Consulate in Bengaluru. Congratulate @USAmbIndia Eric Garcetti and his team…partnership is driven by strong people to people ties. This is expressed in domains like technology, innovation, space, defence and education. Today’s opening of the new US Consulate in Bengaluru will go a long way in strengthening these collaborations, fostering exchanges of ideas and facilitating mobility of talent.”

Deputy CM Shivakumar, speaking to the media on the occasion, stated, “I thank the American Consulate and the External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, on this momentous occasion. Jaishankar’s father served as the Chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru. Members of Parliament have been working towards establishing the US Consulate here. Our IT and BT Industries Minister has also contributed significantly to this effort.”

“India is seen through Bengaluru. This is a historic and sacred day for the state. We have been striving to bring the US Consulate to Bengaluru for a long time. During the Congress government led by the late S.M. Krishna in Karnataka, efforts were initiated to bring the US Consulate after organising the Global Investors’ Meet. Later, when Krishna served as the External Affairs Minister, those efforts continued. Today is an auspicious day for Karnataka. Bengaluru and Karnataka have earned global recognition as symbols of India,” Shivakumar said.

“This is not just about obtaining passports or visas. The finest students from India are contributing globally. Karnataka is a hub of knowledge and technology, with its thriving IT, BT, and startup ecosystems. Additionally, it is a leading destination for health tourism. After Maharashtra, Karnataka contributes the second-highest tax revenue and export generation for the country,” he noted.

“Bengaluru alone accounts for 40 per cent of the country’s export revenue. In the future, US universities may establish institutions here through partnerships, which will reduce the need for our children to go abroad for studies. I have set aside all my other commitments to attend this ceremony, representing the government,” Shivakumar added.

BJP National Yuva Morcha President and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, while expressing his thoughts, said, “Even though Bengaluru is globally recognised for its contributions to research, innovation, and exploration, the absence of a US Consulate in the city forced Kannadigas to travel to distant cities like Hyderabad or Chennai.”

“The inauguration of the US Consulate is not only a matter of convenience but also a step toward positioning Bengaluru among globally significant cities. It will bolster India-US bilateral relations and benefit lakhs of students, professionals, and others. On behalf of all Kannadigas, I extend heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dr S. Jaishankar for fulfilling this long-standing demand,” he stated.

“The inauguration of the US Consulate in Bengaluru, India’s Silicon City and a hub of technology and innovation, is being considered as a matter of immense pride and joy. It is a milestone in strengthening India-US bilateral relations. Despite Bengaluru being a global leader in research, innovation, software, and biotechnology, residents had to travel to cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, or Mumbai for visa processing. The opening of the US Consulate in Bengaluru will greatly benefit lakhs of professionals and students. This is a proud moment as a long-standing demand of Kannadigas has been fulfilled,” Surya said.

–IANS

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