2 held for attack on Dera chief

Arrested are linked to Khalistan Commando Force

CHANDIGARH: Two persons associated with militant outfit Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) have been arrested in connection with Saturday’s attack on Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. Bakshish Singh, who planned the explosion and trained the assailants, is however, absconding.

Ram Rahim Singh, who hurt sentiments by replicating the manners and attire of Sikh spiritual head Guru Gobind Singh, escaped an attempt on his life on Saturday evening when a Punjab militant group triggered an explosion in his cavalcade while he was travelling from Ambala to Delhi.

Police said this was the first serious attempt on the Dera chief’s life ever since he stirred up the “attire controversy”. Militants have been threatening to eliminate him for “hurting Sikh sentiments”.

The explosive was planted in a truck which was supposed to hit Ram Rahim Singh’s car. The truck, however, hit the wrong car.

Attackers Mohinder Singh and Swaran Singh revealed during interrogation that Bakshish Singh, who had been an active KCF member, motivated them after a meeting at Damdama Sahib in Bathinda district where protests were held against the Dera chief last year. They said the explosive was organised by Bakshish Singh and fitted in a truck owned by Mohinder Singh.

b_ajay@dnaindia.net