Police officials searching Paramjit Kaur's (RIGHT) residence in Raghmajra, Patiala
Patiala , Punjab (KP) – Following the blasts on the Dera Sacha Sauda Cult leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim, the Haryana Police has carried out a number of raids in various places with the collaboration of the Punjab Police. Although the blasts left Ram Rahim unhurt, several persons have been detained and questioned, while two have been officially arrested by the police.
Haryana police have named Baksheesh Singh, a resident of Patiala, as a prime suspect. According to police officials, Baksheesh Singh is a former member of the freedom group Khalistan Commando Force. Police carried out a surprise search at his residence but failed to find the whereabouts of Baksheesh. At the time, only Paramjit Kaur, his wife, and their kids were present in the house.
According to Paramjit Kaur, her husband had left for Hazoor Sahib along with some passengers to partake in religious celebrations several days ago. While denying her husband’s involvement, Paramjit Kaur alleged that the police insulted her while questioning about the whereabouts of her husband. According to Balwinder Singh, a lawyer, Baksheesh Singh had several cases pending upon him which were all withdrawn. Now he is working as a taxi driver but some police officers want to take advantage of the incident to once again disturb Baksheesh Singh's life.
Mann Dal and KAC activists arrested
Police has also questioned several members of the Shiromani Akal Dal (A) led by S. Simranjit Singh Mann and his opposition leader Daljit S. Bittu. Both men arrested–Mohinder Singh and Swarn Singh–are active supporters of the SAD (A), and according to police officials, have allegedly testified on Baksheesh Singh's involvement.
In related developments, several leader of the Khalsa Action Committee, including Daljit S. Bittu were later arrested in connection to a protest march they were planning on the Salabatpura dera.
Vehicle from the cult's convoy that was damaged from the myterious blast
According to the police reports, the blast was preplanned and masterminded by Baksheesh Singh. Police have also claimed the use of RDX in the plot, just as all other alleged plots in recent years. According to revelations made by the police, about two kilograms of RDX was placed in the back of the truck and the detonator was placed by the steering wheel. The forensic science team has also claimed to have discovered the wires that triggered the explosives.
Suspicious Blast
Although these revelations seemingly lead toward a preplanned activity, it remains a mystery that the truck which was chosen to carry the explosives was actually owned by those arrested in this case. Furthermore, the severeness of the blasts does not suggest the use of such a high quantity of explosive substance. In addition, if the truck was fully equipped to assassinate Ram Rahim, why was another car targeted instead of his personal automobile?
Many Sikh leaders have labeled the blast as a 'pre-planned drama' by the authorities to damage the image of the Sikhs and as an excuse to provide more security to the cult leader and their patronizers, including Parkash Badal and his son, Sukhbir.
