Collegestudent arrested in Bathinda petrol bomb case linked to Pak handler

A college student was taken into custody by Bathinda police on Tuesday as investigators continued to piece together a petrol‑bomb attack that targeted a clinic belonging to a local BJP leader. The arrest marks the third person detained in connection with the incident, which officials say was coordinated with alleged support from a handler based in Pakistan.

According to the police, the accused allegedly offered each of two accomplices a payment of ₹500 to place and ignite a petrol bomb at the clinic. After the attack, the trio reportedly recorded the incident on a mobile device and transmitted the video across the border, a step that investigators say underscores the cross‑border angle of the case.

The police statement released after the arrest indicated that the student, who is enrolled in a local college, was identified through forensic analysis of the video and witness statements. Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the alleged Pakistan handler, but they said the connection is being examined as part of a broader probe into cross‑border activities that could threaten public safety.

Bathinda, a fast‑growing city in the Indian state of Punjab, has seen a handful of similar explosive incidents in recent months. While the police have not linked this case to any specific political motive, the involvement of a BJP‑affiliated clinic has added a layer of political sensitivity to the investigation. Officials emphasized that the probe remains ongoing and that further arrests could follow as evidence is reviewed.

The incident has prompted a swift police response, with officers seizing the mobile device used to record the attack and forwarding the footage to forensic experts for analysis. The case underscores the challenges law enforcement faces when dealing with acts that combine local violence with potential external influence. As the investigation proceeds, the student will be produced before a magistrate for formal charges, and the two alleged accomplices, who remain at large, are being actively pursued.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order in Bathinda, urging residents to report any suspicious activity related to the case. The police also indicated that they are coordinating with intelligence agencies to monitor any further attempts to exploit similar vulnerabilities. While the full extent of the alleged Pakistan connection remains under verification, the arrest demonstrates the ongoing efforts to curb incidents that threaten both public safety and communal harmony.

Source: Hindustan Times