BATHINDA: A petrol bomb was hurled at the clinic of local BJP leader Dr Tarsem Garg here late on Monday night, triggering widespread panic in the area and raising serious security concerns ahead of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s upcoming visit.
According to initial reports, two masked men carried out the attack. While one of the suspects stood outside the main gate and ignited a bottle filled with petrol, his accomplice filmed the entire incident. The burning bottle was then thrown inside the clinic premises.
The sudden explosion-like impact caused chaos in the locality, prompting nearby residents to rush to the spot as the attackers fled the scene.
Dr Tarsem Garg, who was present inside the clinic when the attack took place, said that he has no known enmity with anyone and had never received any threats in the past.
Notably, Dr Garg was previously associated with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and served as its Trade Wing Secretary in Punjab. He later switched over to the BJP following differences during the municipal elections.
Upon receiving information, police teams reached the spot immediately and initiated an investigation. Senior police officers are currently questioning the doctor and conducting a forensic examination of the site. Investigators are also scanning CCTV footage from the area to identify and track down the accused.
Confirming the incident, SP (City) Narinder Singh stated that two individuals were involved in the attack and assured that all efforts are underway to apprehend them.
The incident has sparked fear among local residents and raised serious questions over police preparedness, especially given the imminent visit of the Chief Minister to the city.
