Posted at: Nov 18, 2018, 1:05 PM; last updated: Nov 18, 2018, 4:18 PM (IST)
At least three people were killed and 19 injured in an explosion inside the Nirankari Bhavan at Adliwal village near Amritsar’s Rajasansi on Sunday, police said.
Inspector General said at least 19 people were injured in the blast.
Some eyewitness accounts said that two armed and masked persons, who were on a motorcycle, forced their way inside the Bhavan by pointing a gun at the person on duty at the gate.
A hunt is on to nab them, the Inspector General said.
He said about 200 devotees were inside the hall at the time of the incident. No CCTV was installed on the premises, according to preliminary investigations.
After the incident, the Bhavan was sealed by the police and security was stepped up at other ‘Nirankari Bhavans’ in the state. The Sant Nirankari Mission is a spiritual organisation.
Punjab Chief Minister condemned the attack.
After reviewing the law and order situation, Punjab Chief Minister directed the Home Secretary, DGP (Law and Order) and DG Intelligence to rush to Rajasansi for supervising investigations.
Congress MLA who visited the scene of crime, said it was a security and intelligence lapse, and blamed both central and state governments for the incident.
Punjab was on an alert following an input claiming that a group of six to seven Pakistan Militants were reportedly in the state, possibly in Ferozepur area.
The state was put on alert after four persons snatched a SUV from driver at gunpoint near Madhopur in Pathankot district last week.
“After they gained entry, they threw a grenade-like object at the congregation and escaped,” said an eyewitness.
