Grenade Attack on Chandigarh BJP Office; Babbar Khalsa Claims Responsibility
A grenade attack occurred at the Punjab BJP office in Chandigarh on April 1, 2026, with the banned outfit Babbar Khalsa claiming responsibility. The low-intensity blast caused no injuries but damaged vehicles. Police are investigating, examining CCTV footage, and an unverified video of the incident.
Key Highlights
- Grenade attack hit Punjab BJP office in Chandigarh on April 1, 2026.
- Banned outfit Babbar Khalsa claimed responsibility for the incident.
- No casualties reported, but two vehicles sustained damage.
- Police investigating with forensic teams; CCTV footage identifies suspects.
- Motive cited as retaliation for a recent police encounter.
- Incident sparks political reactions and security concerns in Punjab.
A grenade attack targeted the Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Sector 37, Chandigarh, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, causing a low-intensity explosion around 5 PM. While no injuries were reported, an Activa scooter and a sedan car parked nearby sustained damage, and splinter marks were observed on a boundary wall.
Hours after the incident, Khalistani terrorist Sukhjinder Singh Babbar, acting on behalf of the banned militant organization Babbar Khalsa, claimed responsibility for the attack. The claim was reportedly made through a social media post, in which Babbar issued a provocative message. He stated that the attack was in retaliation for the killing of Ranjit Singh, a 19-year-old accused in the double murder of two policemen in Gurdaspur in February 2026, who was later killed in an alleged police encounter on February 25, 2026. Babbar also warned the Indian establishment against targeting Sikh youth in Punjab and reiterated calls for the establishment of Khalistan.
The attack unfolded when two suspects, reportedly arriving on a two-wheeler, hurled a grenade-like object before fleeing the scene. Initial reports suggested the use of a crude bomb or improvised explosive device (IED), but later investigations indicated it was a blue-colored hand grenade, possibly a Chinese-made Type 86P. A viral video, apparently self-filmed, quickly circulated on social media, showing a person pulling the pin of a grenade and throwing it towards the BJP office, though the authenticity of this footage was still under verification by authorities. The grenade reportedly landed in a sand stack nearby, rather than directly hitting the office premises, which might have mitigated further damage or casualties.
Upon receiving information about the blast, police teams, including the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kanwardeep Kaur, the Crime Branch, and the operation cell, swiftly arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area. A team from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) collected evidence, including grenade splinters, and the Bomb Detection Squad sanitized the spot with sniffer dogs. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) also visited the site to assess the situation, indicating the gravity of the incident and its potential national security implications. Authorities are currently scanning CCTV footage from the surrounding areas, which has reportedly captured the faces of two suspects, and a city-wide search operation with checkpoints has been initiated.
The attack has drawn strong reactions from political leaders. Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar condemned the incident, labeling it an 'attack' on the party and an attempt to disrupt communal harmony in the state. He also criticized the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, alleging its failure to curb criminal activities, which he claimed were now impacting Chandigarh. Jakhar highlighted a series of recent incidents, including previous grenade attacks on police stations in Punjab and the vandalism of a Dr. BR Ambedkar statue in Hoshiarpur, as indicators of a deteriorating law and order situation. In response, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann rejected these allegations, tweeting that the opposition often blamed him for various incidents in Chandigarh, from student protests to farmer demonstrations.
The incident has raised significant security concerns, particularly given the historical context of Khalistani separatist movements in Punjab. Experts noted that while blue-colored grenades might be associated with training versions in some militaries, police officials confirmed recovering similar colored live grenades, including Chinese-made Type 86P and Austrian variants, often smuggled from Pakistan to fuel violence in Punjab. This attack underscores the persistent challenge of maintaining peace and order in the border state, with central intelligence agencies placed on high alert.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the Punjab BJP office in Chandigarh?
A low-intensity grenade attack occurred at the Punjab BJP office in Chandigarh's Sector 37 on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, around 5 PM.
Who claimed responsibility for the attack?
The banned Khalistani militant organization Babbar Khalsa, through its operative Sukhjinder Singh Babbar, claimed responsibility for the grenade attack via a social media post.
Was anyone injured in the blast?
No casualties or injuries were reported in the grenade attack. However, an Activa scooter and a sedan car were damaged, and splinter marks were found on a nearby wall.
What was the alleged motive behind the attack?
Babbar Khalsa claimed the attack was in retaliation for the killing of Ranjit Singh, who was accused in the murder of two policemen in Gurdaspur and subsequently died in an alleged police encounter in February 2026.
What measures are authorities taking?
Chandigarh Police, along with forensic teams, the Bomb Detection Squad, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), are investigating the incident. They are examining CCTV footage, which has reportedly identified two suspects, and have launched a city-wide search operation.