Punjab Grenade Attack Suspects Arrested; Planned Delhi-MP Blasts on August 15 Foiled
Jaipur, August 12, 2025 — In a major breakthrough, Rajasthan Police’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), in coordination with Punjab Police, has arrested six suspects, including three minors, in connection with a grenade blast outside a liquor trader’s shop in Jalandhar, Punjab. The accused were allegedly plotting further attacks in Delhi and Madhya Pradesh on August 15.
According to ADG Crime Dinesh M.N., Rajasthan Police launched the operation after receiving an alert from Punjab Police regarding the Jalandhar blast. Under the supervision of AGTF Additional SP Siddhant Sharma, search operations were carried out in Jaipur and Tonk districts, leading to the arrest of the suspects. Those apprehended include Jatinder Chaudhary alias Ritik, Sanjay, and Sonu alias Kali, along with three minors. All detainees have since been handed over to Punjab Police.
Canadian-based gangster linked to Lawrence gang behind plot
Investigations revealed that the group was operating under the instructions of Zeeshan Akhtar, a Canada-based gangster with ties to the notorious Lawrence gang. Zeeshan allegedly supplied the grenades used in the Jalandhar attack. He had previously claimed responsibility for the murder of Mumbai’s Baba Siddiqui.
The arrested suspects were in contact with Zeeshan via Instagram and other online apps, following his directions for carrying out attacks. Zeeshan is known to collaborate with Pakistani gangster Shehzad Bhatti, as well as criminals like Manu Agwan and Gopi Navshariya, orchestrating crimes across India. Authorities said he recruits local youths by luring them with money to join his criminal network.
The group had been assigned to carry out blasts in Delhi and Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, around Independence Day. However, swift police action thwarted their plans, preventing what could have been a major terror incident.