The National Investigation Agency (NIA) files a chargesheet against eight individuals in connection with an IED car bomb blast at the parking area of the Baldev Nagar police station in Ambala, Haryana, in January. All three reports state that the NIA alleges the attack was orchestrated by Pakistan-based gangster-turned-terrorist Shehzad Bhatti, who is described as the handler behind the conspiracy.
The Hindu and Times of India report that the NIA attributes recruitment and radicalisation of local participants to Bhatti through social media and encrypted communication channels. Times of India also says digital and forensic evidence indicates contact between the accused and the handler.
Business Standard adds that, apart from Bhatti, the chargesheet names several Indian nationals, including Karamjit Singh alias Tony, Akash, Soureb (also referred to as Sobi and Sourab), Raman Kumar, Satyam, Sukhdev Singh alias Sukha, Amarjeet Singh alias Ambi, and others. The NIA describes local operatives as arranging logistics and explosive materials for the planned attack, with the chargesheet filed before the Special NIA Court in Panchkula.
