Ludhiana man sheltered attackers

LUDHIANA: Police on Thursday identified the man who gave shelter to those who shot at the cavalcade of Sikh preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale on Burwal road here.

One of the four persons arrested after the attack, Ludhiana resident Manjit Singh not only provided shelter to nearly two dozen attackers before and after the crime, but also helped them in setting up a fake ‘chhabeel’ where Dhadrianwale was attacked, said police.

The police on Wednesday had also rounded up Balkar Singh of Baba Bakala in Amritsar. Sources said he was driving one of the vehicles used by the attackers.

After the interrogation of the accused, police have added sections 212 (harbouring accused) and 216 (harbouring accused who have escaped from custody) of the Indian Penal Code to the first information report (FIR) in the case.

“It was a meticulously executed attack. Manjit Singh, a watch repairer, was given the task of sheltering assailants. He also helped them in organising a fake ‘chhabeel’,” said Ludhiana police commissioner Jatinder Singh Aulakh, adding that some more men have been rounded up.

When asked if the accused are supporters of Damdami Taksaal head Harnam Singh Dhumma, Aulakh said police were looking into this aspect. The May 17 attack had left Dhadrianwale’s aide Bhupinder Singh dead.