Amritsar, March 17 — A suspect involved in the March 15 blast outside the Thakur Dwara temple in Amritsar was killed during an exchange of fire with police on Monday, a top officer said. Another accused managed to flee, and authorities are actively searching for him.
The attack unfolded when an unidentified individual hurled an explosive device toward the temple, damaging part of its wall and shattering several window panes. CCTV footage later showed two persons on a motorcycle arriving at the temple, pausing briefly before one threw the device; the pair then left the scene.
Acting on specific intelligence, Amritsar police tracked the perpetrators in Rajasansi. “Police teams tracked the suspects in Rajasansi. The accused opened fire, injuring HC Gurpreet Singh and striking Insp. Amolak Singh’s turban,” DGP Gaurav Yadav mentioned in a post on X.
The ensuing shootout saw police firing in self-defense. One suspect sustained injuries, was transported to Civil Hospital, and later succumbed to his wounds. Meanwhile, the second suspect escaped, prompting intensified efforts to apprehend him.
Punjab Police have also raised suspicions regarding the possible involvement of Pakistan’s spy agency, Inter-Services Intelligence, in the incident.
Although the explosion did not injure any temple visitors, it raised concerns and caused panic among residents in the Khandwala area of Amritsar.
