Chandigarh blasts: Two suspects with possible links to Bishnoi gang arrested following encounter with cops

Two individuals suspected of being involved in the crude bomb blast near Indian rapper and songwriter Badshah's club in Chandigarh were apprehended on the evening of Nov 29 after a confrontation in Hisar district, Haryana.

The arrest occurred during a coordinated operation between the Chandigarh police and the Haryana Special Task Force (STF).

Both defendants were wounded after being shot in the leg during the encounter. They were then detained and sent to a hospital for medical care, according to officials.

The suspects have been identified as Vinay (20) and Ajit Sehrawat (21), both Hisar locals.

"On Nov 29, we received a specific input that both accused are in Hisar. A team of Chandigarh Police immediately rushed to the spot,” the Chandigarh police said in a statement.

“On reaching the spot with Haryana STF Hisar, the accused were asked to surrender, but they did not listen. They opened fire on the police, and in self-defense, the Chandigarh police and STF also exchanged fire," the police added.

Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Sandeep and Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Anoop were shot at, but they were not injured because they were wearing bulletproof jackets, according to the police.

Police said the explosive devices were thrown outside Seville, a bar and lounge owned by rapper Badshah, and De’Orra, a club owned by Rattan Lubana, which are located approximately 30 meters apart, by two people on motorcycles.

In an alleged Facebook post hours after the attack, terrorist Goldy Brar, who is living in Canada and is connected to Lawrence Bishnoi, claimed responsibility for the explosion.

The post stated that Brar and another gang member, Rohit Godara, were behind the two explosions.

It also mentioned that the club owners had been contacted by phone and asked for "protection money," but failed to respond.

As a result, the explosions were carried out as a warning, signaling that those who ignore such demands may face repercussions.

The explosions have sparked worries about local safety, especially because Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Chandigarh on Dec 3.

The murder of Punjabi musician Sidhu Moosewala in May 2022 was earlier linked to Goldy Brar, a well-known member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

Earlier this year, he was designated a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.