Chandigarh, April 8: A blast outside the residence of senior BJP leader and former Punjab minister Manoranjan Kalia in Jalandhar triggered a political storm on Tuesday, with Punjab minister Mohinder Bhagat accusing jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi of orchestrating “terror activities” in the state with the alleged backing of Pakistan.
Bhagat, speaking to reporters after visiting Kalia, claimed Bishnoi—currently lodged in Gujarat’s Sabarmati Jail—was operating from behind bars under the “protection” of the BJP-led central government.
“Lawrence Bishnoi is carrying out such activities in Punjab in connivance with Pakistan. He is being provided security by the Centre in Sabarmati Jail. Everyone knows about his links with Pakistan,” Bhagat said.
Bishnoi, imprisoned since 2015, is a key accused in the high-profile murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022 and the killing of NCP leader Baba Siddique in Mumbai last year.
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu also visited Kalia to inquire about his well-being, raising concerns over Punjab’s deteriorating law and order situation. “There is a worrying trend of targeted attacks on BJP leaders. We demand a central agency-led, time-bound probe into this cowardly act,” Bittu told the media.
The blast occurred around 1 a.m. outside Kalia’s house. While the BJP leader escaped unhurt, CCTV footage showed an individual on an e-rickshaw throwing an object—suspected to be a grenade—before fleeing the scene.
Kalia said he was asleep at the time and initially mistook the blast for thunder. “Later, I was told there had been an explosion. The police and forensic teams are examining the site,” he said.
Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur confirmed that the investigation is underway and the nature of the explosive is yet to be determined. “The forensic team is analyzing samples to verify whether it was a grenade,” she added.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Manpreet Singh said a detailed forensic report will provide further clarity on the nature of the blast and the perpetrators involved.
