Bathinda: Bathinda Police have claimed a breakthrough in the recent petrol bomb attack on a homoeopathic clinic in the city, announcing the arrest of two suspects allegedly involved in the incident. Authorities said a third accused has been identified and efforts are underway to apprehend him.
The arrests came just a day after officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) visited the attack site and initiated their own inquiry into the case, highlighting the seriousness with which the incident is being viewed.
According to police officials, preliminary investigations indicate that three individuals were involved in carrying out the attack. While two suspects have been taken into custody, the search for the remaining accused continues.
The attack took place late Monday night at a clinic located on Mela Ram Road. The establishment belongs to Dr Tarsem Garg, a prominent social figure who currently serves as chief warden of the Civil Defence Corps in Bathinda and has previously been associated with public and political organisations in the state.
Investigators said surveillance footage collected from the area showed two individuals arriving near the clinic before one of them allegedly hurled an incendiary object into the premises. The resulting fire caused limited property damage, affecting a parked two-wheeler, plants and parts of the building. No injuries were reported.
Employees present at the clinic at the time of the incident reportedly acted quickly to control the flames before emergency responders arrived. Police teams and forensic experts later inspected the site and collected evidence to assist the investigation.
The case attracted additional attention after the victim’s family disclosed receiving a suspicious international WhatsApp call shortly after the attack. According to family members, the caller allegedly identified himself as Shahzad Bhatti, a Pakistan-based individual. Authorities are examining the claim as part of the broader investigation and have not yet commented on any possible connection between the call and the attack.
The incident occurred while Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was in Bathinda for an overnight stay, with the attack site located within a short distance of his location at the time. However, investigators have not indicated any link between the Chief Minister’s visit and the incident.
On Wednesday, an NIA team visited the clinic and interacted with Dr Garg while gathering information related to the attack. The agency’s involvement raised speculation that investigators were examining whether the case had wider security implications beyond a local criminal act.
Police officials have maintained that the investigation remains active and that further arrests cannot be ruled out. Interrogation of the accused and analysis of digital and forensic evidence are expected to provide additional clarity regarding the motive and planning behind the attack.
Authorities said security measures in the area have been strengthened while efforts continue to track down the remaining suspect and establish the complete sequence of events leading to the bombing.
