A powerful explosion tore through a vacant plot in a residential colony along the Majitha Road Bypass on Tuesday afternoon, killing a man who had reportedly come to collect an illicit consignment from the site. The force of the blast was so severe that both of the victim’s arms were severed above the wrists.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Maninder Singh of the Amritsar Rural district, the deceased had approached the parcel amid police surveillance. “Our teams were already tracking this individual when the device detonated,” Singh confirmed. He added that initial findings suggest the explosion was triggered by mishandling of the homemade bomb.
Local residents, alarmed by the deafening blast, rushed to the scene and alerted law enforcement. A police cordon was swiftly established, and bomb-disposal experts secured the area before commencing a detailed forensic examination.
Deputy Inspector General (Border Range) Satinder Singh later announced that evidence points to involvement by the ISI-backed Babar Khalsa terrorist outfit, describing the strike as an attempt to “disrupt peace and stability in the border region.” Authorities revealed they had received prior intelligence on the injured man’s ties to extremist elements and are now working to confirm his identity and uncover any co-conspirators.
“Strong leads link the deceased to a Pakistan-based terror network,” DIG Satinder Singh stated, emphasizing that the probe would explore both local and cross-border connections. Meanwhile, security forces have intensified patrols around sensitive installations in and around Amritsar to thwart any follow-up attacks.
As investigations proceed, officials urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The district administration has also appealed for cooperation from community leaders to help maintain calm in the aftermath of the blast.
