A dramatic explosion in a parked scooter near Jalandhar’s BSF Chowk on Tuesday night caused a fire but left no one hurt, prompting a high-stakes police investigation amid political backlash.
The Honda Activa burst into flames around 8 PM in a bustling spot, creating chaos as flames shot up. Quick response from patrolling cops and firefighters contained the damage, with the scooter’s linked occupants now aiding enquiries at the station.
Commissioner Dhannpreet Kaur detailed how her team was on-site when the sudden ignition happened by the gate. No harm to bystanders, but the proximity to BSF headquarters has raised red flags.
Political leaders wasted no time. Congress president Raja Warring posted on X decrying the lapse as a national security threat in border Punjab, accusing AAP state and Centre of neglect. ‘People need protection, not theatrics,’ he asserted.
Leader of Opposition Bajwa stressed on social media that such blasts signal vigilance gaps, calling for urgent steps to rebuild confidence. BJP’s Parminder Barar blasted AAP’s governance, warning that delivery scooters exploding in crowds expose deadly vulnerabilities. ‘Punjab can’t tolerate excuses; fix the failures.’
Investigators are delving into possibilities from fuel leaks to foul play, with forensic teams analyzing debris. This near-miss in a high-security zone revives debates on urban safety in Punjab. As tensions simmer, the public awaits clarity on what triggered the blast and vows stronger preventive protocols. The incident serves as a wake-up call for bolstered surveillance in sensitive areas.
