Slain militant Paramjit Singh Panjwar’s name figured in 1999 Chandigarh blast probe

The main accused in the blast, Rattandeep Singh, was said to have stayed with Panjwar in Pakistan.

Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) chief Paramjit Singh Panjwar alias Malik Sardar Singh. (Express/File Photo)

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The name of Khalistan Commando Force chief Paramjit Singh Panjwar, who was shot dead in Pakistan on Saturday, had figured during the investigation of the June 1999 bomb blast in Chandigarh’s Sector 34, in which four people were injured.

A case under sections 307 (attempt to murder), 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt) and 427 (mischief causing damage to the amount of fifty rupees) of the Indian Penal Code as well as sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosives Act was registered over the blast outside the passport office. Later the investigation was transferred to the Operations Cell, the anti-terrorist wing of Chandigarh Police.

A source said the main accused in the blast, Rattandeep Singh, was a driver along with Panjwar in Pakistan. A resident of Jind in Haryana, Rattandeep was arrested from Uttar Pradesh in September 2014, he said.

“Police also arrested Jasbir Singh, a resident of Sector 33, for providing logistical support to Rattandeep Singh. Jasbir Singh, who died during his judicial custody, disclosed during his interrogation that he had stayed with Paramjit Singh Panjwar whenever he went to Pakistan. Rattandeep was later acquitted in the case in December 2016 for want of evidence,” the source said.

DSP Satbir Singh, who is no more, supervised the investigation of the case.

A retired DSP of Chandigarh Police who supervised many anti-terrorist operations in the late 90s said Rattandeep Singh received ISI training in Pakistan with the help of Panjwar.

“Panjwar’s activities were limited to Amritsar and Tarn Taran in Punjab. I remember that one of our raiding parties had raided Panjwar village in Tarn Taran in search of Paramjit Singh,” the former police officer said.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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