A 20-year-old delivery worker, Gurpreet Singh, is grappling with physical and emotional trauma after his scooter caught fire during a blast near the BSF Punjab Frontier headquarters in Jalandhar on Tuesday night. The young man, who cannot hear properly from his right ear and has lost his appetite, is now worried about his financial future.
Appeal for Compensation
Gurpreet, who works for an online delivery company, is hoping for government assistance. "I want to appeal to the government for compensation for my scooter, as my family is struggling financially," he said. His father, Kashmir Singh, a former BSF cook, revealed that the family is trying to help him recover from the shock. "We keep telling him the worst is over. Even his friends are trying to reassure him, but he is still in trauma. He is not eating properly," the father added.
The Incident
Gurpreet explained that he had gone to the BSF complex to collect a return parcel, a routine visit for deliveries and pickups. "I was standing near my scooter when the blast took place. I ran towards the BSF gate, and even my clothes caught slight fire. I could not understand anything and called my father while crying," he recounted. BSF personnel provided first aid, while police took his phone for questioning. "For 15-20 minutes, I could not speak. Initially, I could not even hear the police officials properly. I still cannot hear properly from my right ear," he said.
Injuries and Police Interaction
Gurpreet sustained injuries on his right shoulder and back, a gash on his neck, and pain in his right foot. He stated that the police questioned him thoroughly but did not mistreat him. "Even the commissioner of police questioned me," he noted. However, he expressed deep hurt over speculation linking him to the blast. "I was treated like a suspect even though I was also a victim," he lamented.
Ongoing Recovery
At 20, Gurpreet faces an uncertain path to recovery, both physically and mentally. His family and friends continue to support him, but the trauma lingers. The incident has left him with hearing difficulties and a constant worry about his livelihood.
