NIA Chargesheets Pak Terrorist Bhatti, 7 Others in Ambala Blast Case

New Delhi, July 11: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has chargesheeted eight accused, including Pakistan-based gangster-turned-terrorist Shehzad Bhatti, in connection with the IED car bomb blast at the parking area of the Baldev Nagar Police Station in Ambala, Haryana, earlier this year. The chargesheet, filed before the Special NIA Court in Panchkula, names Bhatti and seven arrested Indian nationals—Karamjit Singh alias Tony, Akash, Soureb alias Sobi, Raman Kumar, Satyam, Sukhdev Singh alias Sukha, and Amarjeet Singh alias Ambi. The accused have been booked under relevant provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, the Explosive Substances Act, 1908, and the Telecommunication Act, 2023. According to the NIA, Bhatti orchestrated the conspiracy from Pakistan with the objective of spreading terror by targeting police establishments. Investigators found that he had established operational modules in India and directed local operatives to arrange logistics and explosive materials for carrying out the attack. The agency identified Akash as Bhatti’s principal India-based operative, responsible for coordinating the conspiracy with the other accused. The investigation revealed that the Baldev Nagar Police Station was selected after reconnaissance of potential targets. The accused allegedly parked a car loaded with gas cylinders and explosive substances inside the police station premises and recorded videos of the scene for circulation and propaganda. The NIA further said Bhatti recruited and radicalised the accused through social media platforms and encrypted communication channels. Digital, electronic, documentary and forensic evidence established that the accused remained in constant contact with the Pakistan-based handler while planning and executing the attack. The agency said its investigation, which is still underway, has uncovered a network involving recruitment, financing, operational planning, procurement of explosive materials and execution of the terrorist act, all allegedly carried out under Bhatti’s directions.