ok guys, I tried to pull it out over the weekend and it just couldn't come out. In the process, I scratched the chrome as well. Frustrated I went to the local parts store and enquire for a new grille and they gave me a chrome version. I never expect that it came with chrome at the edge and gloss black at the slate... I was delighted. Best of all it only cost ~USD 50 each... Floored my car to my regular workshop and they dismantle the bumper and fit it on for me.

Here are the pix.