NRI held for crashing SUV into Attari gate

In a major security breach, an NRI crashed his SUV into the security gates at the Attari joint check post (JCP) early on Monday and reached the zero line at the international border between India and Pakistan.

Non-Resident Indian Surinder Singh Kang was taken into custody by Border Security Force (BSF) personnel after he rammed his sport utility vehicle into the first gate around 3.30 a.m. and then drove to the next gate, about 800 metres ahead towards the international border. He then rammed his vehicle into the second gate.

The vehicle stopped near the Pakistani gate at the border.

He was questioned by security agencies and later handed over to police. The NRI was booked under section 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and other charges.

The NRI, aged around 50, holds Canadian citizenship and belongs to Nakodar area of Jalandhar district.

"All gates were closed at that time. It is a serious security breach that he managed to reach up to the zero line. The incident is being investigated," a BSF officer posted in the area told IANS.

The Attari-Wagah JCP is located 30 km from the Sikh holy city of Amritsar. Wagah, on the Pakistan side, is 20 km from the post.