Chandigarh – The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of politicizing a recent grenade attack on former BJP minister Manoranjan Kalia’s residence in Jalandhar, and of shielding gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, allegedly the mastermind behind a growing web of violence in Punjab.
Addressing a press conference, AAP Punjab president Aman Arora slammed BJP state chief Sunil Jakhar for what he called “irresponsible and politically motivated” remarks against the AAP government and the Punjab Police.
“Instead of appreciating the swift and efficient police action, Jakhar has chosen to indulge in baseless propaganda for petty political gains,” Arora said.
Police Action Praised
Arora detailed the swift investigation into the grenade attack, revealing that Punjab Police had identified and arrested two accused within 12 hours of the incident. The preliminary probe, he said, points to Zeeshan Akhtar, a known gangster from Jalandhar also named in the Baba Siddique murder case, as the mastermind.
“This exemplary action by Punjab Police underlines their professionalism and commitment to Punjab’s safety,” he said, countering BJP claims of deteriorating law and order.
“BJP Protecting Bishnoi,” Alleges Arora
In a serious allegation, Arora accused the BJP-led central government of deliberately protecting Lawrence Bishnoi by keeping him lodged in Gujarat’s Sabarmati jail under Section 268(1) of the CrPC, which limits prisoner movement.
“Bishnoi continues to operate his criminal network from Sabarmati jail with impunity, under the direct supervision of the BJP,” Arora claimed, linking him to a broader terror nexus.
Web of Violence: Bishnoi, Zeeshan, and Pakistan-based Shehzad Bhatti
Arora elaborated on growing transnational criminal links, citing Zeeshan Akhtar’s alleged role in multiple violent incidents, including the March 16 attack on YouTuber Roger Sandhu’s home, which was claimed by Pakistan-based gangster Shehzad Bhatti, known to be an aide of Bishnoi.
“Shehzad Bhatti, operating under Pakistan’s ISI, is trying to disturb peace in Punjab. There is video evidence of him coordinating with Bishnoi,” Arora said, warning of a broader conspiracy to destabilize the region.
The AAP leader called on the public and media to question the BJP’s role in allowing this alleged nexus to flourish.
“The links between Zeeshan, Bhatti, and Bishnoi are undeniable. And instead of breaking this chain, the BJP is protecting it,” Arora concluded.
Background
The grenade attack on Manoranjan Kalia’s residence triggered a political storm, with the BJP blaming the AAP government for failing to maintain law and order. The incident follows a spate of violent episodes in Punjab, often linked to gang warfare with alleged international ties.
