Grenade Attack Outside Hindu Temple on Holi in Amritsar, Punjab; Probe Underway

Amritsar, March 15, 2025: In a shocking act of violence, unidentified assailants hurled a grenade outside the Thakur Dwara Mandir in Amritsar, Punjab, on the night of Holi. The attack, which occurred at approximately 10:30 PM, was captured on CCTV cameras, showing two bike-borne men throwing the explosive device before speeding away.

While no casualties have been reported, the blast caused damage to the temple’s outer wall and shattered glass windows of nearby shops. Local authorities and forensic teams were immediately dispatched to the scene, and an investigation is underway to identify the perpetrators.

Pakistan’s Role Suspected in Disturbing Punjab’s Peace

Preliminary intelligence reports suggest that the attack could be an attempt by Pakistan-based elements to disturb communal harmony in Punjab. Security agencies have been monitoring increased cross-border activities linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Khalistani separatist groups.

Senior officials suspect that the incident aligns with past attempts to spread instability in Punjab by targeting religious places and festivals. Sources in the intelligence community believe this attack could be part of a larger strategy to revive militancy in the region and provoke communal unrest.

CCTV Footage & Ongoing Investigation

CCTV cameras installed near the temple captured two masked men riding a motorcycle, slowing down near the temple, and throwing the grenade before fleeing. Investigators are working on enhancing the footage to identify the attackers and track their movements before and after the attack.

Punjab Director General of Police (DGP Gaurav Yadav) stated, “We are analyzing CCTV footage and gathering forensic evidence. The attack seems pre-planned, and we are not ruling out foreign involvement. Stringent action will be taken against those responsible.”

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Punjab Police’s counter-terrorism unit are jointly probing the case to ascertain whether the attackers had links to any terror outfit operating from across the border.

Increased Security Measures in Punjab

Following the blast, security has been heightened across religious sites, markets, and public gatherings in Amritsar and other sensitive areas of Punjab. Sniffer dogs, bomb disposal squads, and additional police forces have been deployed.

The Punjab government has urged people to remain calm and report any suspicious activity. “Punjab has always been a symbol of unity and peace. We will not let such cowardly acts disrupt our communal harmony,” said Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

Past Incidents & Rising Threats

This is not the first time Punjab has witnessed such an attack.

• In 2023, a Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) attack targeted Punjab Police’s Intelligence Headquarters in Mohali.
• In 2024, several Khalistani-linked terror modules were busted, with operatives caught smuggling arms and explosives from Pakistan using drones.
• Security agencies have repeatedly warned about Pakistan’s ISI supporting Khalistani elements to destabilize Punjab and reignite separatist tensions.

Condemnations & Nationwide Response

The attack has drawn strong condemnation from political leaders, religious organizations, and security analysts.

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured strict action against those responsible, stating, “The government will not tolerate any attempt to disturb Punjab’s peace. Security agencies are actively tracking down the perpetrators.”
• Hindu religious leaders have called for swift justice and better protection for religious places.
• Opposition parties have urged the Punjab government to enhance surveillance and intelligence coordination to prevent such incidents in the future.

Conclusion

The grenade attack outside the Thakur Dwara Mandir in Amritsar on Holi is a stark reminder of the security challenges Punjab faces from cross-border terrorism. While no lives were lost, the attack underscores the urgent need for heightened vigilance and stronger counter-terror measures.

Security forces are on high alert, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure that such cowardly acts do not succeed in disturbing Punjab’s peace and unity.