The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Bhagwant Singh, alias Manna Bhatti, a key associate of two Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF)-linked terrorists involved in the March grenade attack on a temple in Amritsar, Punjab, the agency announced on Thursday.
Bhagwant Singh, who had been on the run since the incident, was apprehended on Wednesday from Akalgarh village in Amritsar. His arrest brings the total number of individuals held in connection with the case to four.
The grenade attack targeted the Thakur Dwara Sanatan Mandir in Amritsar and was carried out by Gursidak Singh and Vishal, alias Chuchi. The KLF, a banned terrorist organization, had claimed responsibility for the assault.
Following the attack, Gursidak Singh was killed in a police encounter, while Vishal was arrested. Two other accused — Diwan Singh alias Sunny and Sahib Singh alias Saba — were also taken into custody.
According to the NIA, Bhagwant Singh had knowingly sheltered Gursidak and Vishal both during the planning and aftermath of the attack. Investigators stated that the grenade used in the assault had been hidden behind Bhagwant's house with his full knowledge. Further inquiries revealed that he had also received terror-related funds in his bank account.
The NIA said it continues to investigate the case as part of its broader crackdown on KLF operatives in India and the organisation's foreign-based networks.
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