JALANDHAR, April 8: – A grenade was hurled at the residence of former Punjab minister and BJP national executive member Manoranjan Kalia around 1 am on Tuesday, triggering panic in the area. Kalia escaped unhurt in the incident.
Police said the grenade landed near the main gate of his house. “A forensic team has been called in and investigations are underway,” Deputy Commissioner of Police Manpreet Singh told reporters after reaching the spot.
CCTV footage reviewed by police shows the assailant arrived in an e-rickshaw from the Shastri Market side, passed Kalia’s house, turned back, and then stopped. “A man stepped down, looked around, and hurled the grenade with his left hand before fleeing in the same rickshaw,” Kalia said.
The blast caused damage to a side door near the house’s entrance. “I heard a loud noise, thought it was my generator, and came out. It took a minute to realise it could be a grenade,” Kalia told the media.
He alleged that his gunman attempted to call the nearby police station — located just a few hundred metres away — but received no response. “Eventually, my gunman had to go there himself to inform them,” he added.
The attack has drawn concern from senior BJP leaders, many of whom gathered at Kalia’s residence to check on his safety and show support.
Police are yet to confirm the identity of the attacker and are reviewing surveillance footage for further leads.
