Panic gripped the Bhindi Saida area after a blast inside a police station complex under the Amritsar (Rural) police on Monday morning, raising fresh concerns in view of a series of similar incidents reported across the state over the past two years.
Officials remained tight-lipped initially and even denied any such occurrence, while the police station was immediately cordoned off denying entry to mediapersons.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Gurinderpal Singh Nagra later informed the media that the exact nature of the explosion could be ascertained only after a forensic examination. “Forensic teams have arrived to collect evidence,” he said.
He said the on-duty personnel had informed the control room and senior officers that a minor blast-like sound was heard around 1.45 am.
Residents claimed they heard a loud explosion in the night. Though no casualties were reported, sources said vehicles parked inside the police station suffered some damage due to splinters.
According to information, two unidentified bikers reportedly hurled an explosive object into the police station premises before fleeing. Security agencies have been put on alert following the incident, and CCTV footage from the adjoining areas is being examined.
A series of similar attacks targeting police establishments in Punjab had occurred during the past two years. Several such incidents, including low-intensity explosions and grenade attacks, have been reported in border districts like Amritsar and Gurdaspur, often attributed by agencies to cross-border elements and gangster-terror networks.
Investigative agencies have previously flagged the use of hand grenades in attempts to target police infrastructure, though many attacks did not result in casualties. The recurring pattern has prompted heightened vigil at police stations and security installations across the state.
A detailed investigation into the Bhindi Saida incident was underway, and further details were awaited, said DSP Nagra.
Former Punjab minister and senior SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia said, “This blast is a glaring example of the complete breakdown of law and order in Punjab. If police stations are not safe, what can ordinary citizens expect? The government must stop making excuses and fix accountability for the serious lapse.”
PPCC president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said, “The blast is a matter of grave concern and not an isolated incident. Such recurring incidents in border areas are creating an atmosphere of fear. The state government must take immediate steps to restore law and order and reassure the people.”
