Will join investigation on April 15, says Bajwa
Chandigarh, April 14 (Bharat Khabarnama Bureau): The Punjab Police has booked senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, under serious charges after he publicly claimed that “50 bombs have reached Punjab.” The FIR was registered hours after a police team quizzed him at his residence in Chandigarh over the sensational remark, which has sparked political furore and concerns over national security.
The cyber crime police station in Mohali has registered a case under Sections 197(1)(d) and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita — pertaining to dissemination of false or misleading information that poses a threat to the sovereignty and unity of the nation, and attempts to incite enmity or ill will among communities.
According to the reports, Bajwa has been summoned to join the ongoing investigation. “This is a matter of national security. If he fails to substantiate his claims, he will be liable for arrest,” a police official said. Meanwhile the congress leader Bajwa announced that he would join police investigation on April 15.
Earlier on Sunday, a police team led by AIG Ravjot Kaur Grewal and Mohali SP (City) Harbir Atwal reached Bajwa’s residence in Chandigarh and questioned him about the source of his statement. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, too, demanded answers, asking whether Bajwa had “direct links with Pakistan” to make such claims.
Bajwa, while confirming that he cooperated with the officers, refused to divulge his sources. Accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of failing on the law and order front, he said the state was slipping into dangerous territory and that his remarks were based on credible alerts.
“No central or state intelligence agency has issued any such alert,” Chief Minister Mann retorted, calling Bajwa’s statement an irresponsible attempt to trigger fear. “If this is just a political stunt, strict action will be taken,” Mann stated.
The controversy erupted after Bajwa, in a televised interview, said: “I’ve received information that 50 bombs have made their way into Punjab. Eighteen have already gone off; 32 are still out there.” His remarks come at a time when Punjab has witnessed multiple grenade attacks in recent months, especially in sensitive border districts.
Speaking to reporters, AIG Grewal said the team’s visit was necessitated by the gravity of the statement. “We came to ascertain the origin of this information. Bajwa hasn’t disclosed any credible source so far,” she said.
Responding to the probe, Bajwa reiterated that he stood by his statement. “Yes, I gave an interview. My sources, who are from within intelligence and central agencies, informed me two days ago. They even warned that I could be a target,” he said, adding that he had survived a terror attack in Batala in 1990 and his family had been victims of terrorism.
“I am the most vulnerable right now — my party is not in power in Punjab or at the Centre,” Bajwa said. “I’ve cooperated fully with the police, but I won’t compromise my sources. I hold a constitutional post. My duty is towards the people of Punjab, not to satisfy a vindictive regime.”
In a written statement issued later in the day, Bajwa asserted: “I am not afraid of intimidation. I have conveyed to the police that I will not be coerced into revealing confidential sources. As Leader of the Opposition, I have a responsibility to raise red flags when I see the situation deteriorating.”
The case is expected to add more friction to the already charged political climate in Punjab, with national security and freedom of expression now at the center of the storm.
