Concerns Rise Over Security After Explosions Near Military Bases in Punjab
Explosions Near Military Installations Raise Alarm
Serious concerns regarding security have emerged in Punjab following two suspicious explosions that occurred within hours of each other near military installations. On Tuesday night, incidents took place outside the BSF Punjab Frontier headquarters in Jalandhar and the Khalsa Cantonment in Amritsar, prompting security agencies to go on high alert. Authorities are investigating whether Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were involved in these blasts. The police have initiated a high-level inquiry to determine the sequence of events and the nature of the explosions.
Blast Captured on Camera Outside BSF Headquarters
On Tuesday evening, a scooter parked outside the BSF Punjab Frontier headquarters in Jalandhar caught fire, causing panic in the area. Local residents reported hearing a blast-like sound from the vehicle. This incident occurred around 8 PM near the headquarters, which is situated on the road connecting Jalandhar city to the Amritsar-Delhi highway. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries, and the police cordoned off the area. Authorities are still trying to ascertain how the scooter ignited. CCTV footage has emerged showing the scooter exploding suddenly and engulfed in flames.
Investigation Underway with Scooter Driver Interrogated
The scooter driver has been identified as 22-year-old Gurpreet Singh. According to a relative, Gurpreet frequently visits the area for parcel deliveries. On Tuesday evening, when he approached his parked scooter, it unexpectedly caught fire. The relative mentioned that Gurpreet immediately informed his father about the incident. Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur stated, "At first glance, the facts indicate that an active scooter caught fire. We are still verifying the details on-site." A BSF officer confirmed that they have alerted the police and an investigation is ongoing to determine whether it was an explosion or merely a fire incident.
Second Explosion in Amritsar
Approximately two hours later, around 10:50 PM, another explosion occurred near the Khalsa Cantonment area in Amritsar, prompting immediate action from police and security agencies. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported from this incident. Authorities received information about the suspicious blast and promptly arrived at the scene with senior military officials stationed in the cantonment. A Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) was also deployed to investigate the site. SP Aditya S. Warrior of Amritsar stated that a forensic science laboratory (FSL) team collected samples and evidence from the scene, which will be analyzed to determine the nature and cause of the explosion. He added, "Around 10:50 PM, police were informed about the sound of an explosion near the Khalsa Cantonment. Police teams arrived at the scene with senior military officials, and the BDS team conducted an investigation. The FSL team collected evidence, which has been sent for analysis. We are looking into how many explosions occurred and their causes."
Ongoing Investigation
The preliminary investigation is still underway, and further details are awaited.