Full Breakdown
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Leader Ravneet Singh Bittu Claims Convoy Attacked Ahead of Anti-Drug Yatra in Punjab
By Drooid · · How we work
Alleged Convoy Attack on September 18, 2026
On September 18, 2026, former Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu said his convoy was ambushed while travelling from Amritsar to Pathankot to attend the launch of the BJP’s “Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra.” According to Bittu’s office, a crowd near Ghaseetpur village, close to Batala, hurled eggs and tomatoes, broke the windows of two escort cars and, in Bittu’s view, some participants brandished weapons. His security detail reportedly apprehended three individuals it linked to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Bittu warned that the Punjab chief minister and the state director-general of police would be held responsible for his safety if any harm occurred.
Background & Context
The “Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra” is a statewide anti-drug campaign launched by the BJP after a nationwide anti-drug movement announced by the prime minister on August 2. BJP national president Nitin Nabin plans to flag off the yatra from Pathankot, covering roughly 4,000 km across all 117 Punjab assembly constituencies before concluding in Jalandhar on September 30, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah is slated to address a rally.
Data & Statistics
- Crowd size: Bittu claimed “around 500 people” were present.
- Security personnel: He said his convoy was protected by “around 100 security personnel” under Z-plus cover, accompanied by a local DSP and an SP.
- Attacks: Eggs and tomatoes were thrown; two escort vehicles were damaged; windows of two cars were broken.
- Arrests: Bittu’s team reported apprehending three individuals alleged to be AAP affiliates; other reports mention two suspects.
Official Statements & Responses
- BJP leadership: Nitin Nabin framed the yatra as a movement against drug abuse, accusing political parties of exploiting the issue for electoral gain.
- Union Home Ministry: Bittu said he briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the breach and requested legal action against the perpetrators.
- Punjab authorities: No official response from the Punjab chief minister or the Director General of Police has been reported.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Number of attackers: Some outlets cite “over 100 AAP workers” targeting the convoy, while others reference “around 500 people” present, creating a discrepancy in crowd size.
- Arrests: Reports differ on whether two or three suspects were detained.
- Verification: No independent verification of the alleged AAP involvement or the identities of the apprehended individuals has been provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Such incidents are a grave threat to democracy and the safety of political leaders,” — Ravneet Singh Bittu
- “They attacked the vehicles and the windows of the vehicles were broken. Eggs and tomatoes are a small thing. Some of them had weapons,” — Ravneet Singh Bittu
- “I have brought the incident to the notice of the Union Home Ministry ,” — Ravneet Singh Bittu
What’s Next
The “Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra” is scheduled to conclude on September 30 in Jalandhar, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to address a rally. No further official actions regarding the alleged attack have been announced.