Amritsar (Punjab): The Punjab Police have arrested five conspirators for allegedly planning the blasts at Amritsar, police sources said. The conspirators have revealed that the motive behind the blasts was to disturb peace. The police has also revealed that explosives used in firecrackers were used to manufacture the explosive used in the blasts.
In a press conference, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said that out of the five arrested accused, Azadvir Singh and Amreek Singh were the main perpetrators, Sahib Singh, Harjeet Singh and Dharmendra Singh were responsible for supplying the explosives. The DGP added that 1.1 kg of low-intensity explosives have been recovered from the accused. He informed that a Special Investigation Team will be constituted by the Commissioner of Police to further investigate the case.
The arrests came hours after Amritsar witnessed another low-intensity blast near the langar hall of Sri Harmandir Sahib on Thursday. This is the third explosion within a week near Golden Temple and second in the area in less than 30 hours, . The Punjab Police said that there is a possibility that the loud sound which was heard near Sri Guru Ram Dass Niwas, in the vicinity of the Golden Temple in Amritsar in the wee hours on Thursday, was the result of an explosion. The suspects are being rounded up, police said. The sound was heard around 12.15-12.30 am, the police added.
While talking to the reporters, Commissioner of Police Naunihal Singh said, "A loud sound was heard at around 12.15-12.30 am. There's a possibility that it could be another explosion. It's being verified and is yet to be confirmed. We have found some pieces behind the building. But since it is dark we are trying to find out." "The suspects are being rounded up and the probe is on," he added. Sri Guru Ram Dass Niwas is the oldest 'sarai' (lodge). Police personnel and forensic team members rushed to the site of the incident and the probe is underway.
Earlier, two explosions took place on heritage street near Golden Temple within a week. The NIA and NSG who were investigating the incident have arrested two suspects. One person was injured in each of the blasts on May 8 morning and May 6 evening on the road that is dotted with shops and food joints and witnesses heavy footfall every day.
