Blast outside BSF headquarters in Jalandhar triggers panic, probe underway

A powerful explosion involving a two-wheeler outside the Punjab Frontier headquarters of the Border Security Force (BSF) in Jalandhar sparked panic on Tuesday evening, prompting a large-scale security response in the city.

The incident took place around 8 pm on one of the city’s busiest stretches, a key road connecting Jalandhar with the Amritsar-New Delhi National Highway. The blast created chaos in the area as locals rushed to safety after hearing a loud explosion.

According to a Hindustan Times (HT) report, officials said the blast was severe enough to scatter parts of the Honda Activa several metres from the spot. A traffic signal pole near the site was also damaged due to the force of the explosion.

Eyewitnesses told police that the two-wheeler exploded before catching fire. Soon after the incident, police teams sealed off the area and launched an investigation.

Senior officers of the Jalandhar commissionerate police, along with forensic experts, bomb disposal teams and dog squads, reached the scene to collect evidence and examine the cause of the explosion.

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Police say no evidence of explosives so far

Jalandhar Commissioner of Police Dhanpreet Kaur Randhawa said authorities are investigating all angles, though initial findings have not indicated any foul play.

“We have roped in the teams of BSF, who are working with our forensic experts to know the exact reason behind the blast. Forensic teams have been collecting vital evidence and samples from the spot,” HT quoted CP Randhawa as saying.

She further stated that the scooter's owner, identified as Gurpreet Singh, is being questioned as part of the investigation.

“The owner said that the mechanical service of his vehicle was due. We are verifying every minute detail in the case,” she added.

“The detailed statement regarding the reasons behind the explosion and fire will be issued once the initial investigation is over,” CP Randhawa said.

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Delivery worker was returning from BSF headquarters

A police official said the scooter owner works with a delivery company and had parked the vehicle outside the BSF headquarters. “The driver said that he was coming back after delivering an order in BSF headquarters when the explosion took place,” the official said.

The incident has put security agencies on alert, especially as Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is scheduled to visit Jalandhar on Wednesday as part of his Shukrana Yatra and is expected to stay at his official residence in Old Baradari.