Patiala: A day after former Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) and Congress functionary Mohammad Mustafa alleged that a low-intensity blast near his residence was a targeted attack on him and his family, Malerkotla police stated that a comprehensive investigation is underway. Senior officials are employing both technical intelligence and human inputs to bring the case to a logical conclusion.
Mustafa's Social Media Post Escalates Tensions
Tensions escalated after Mustafa made a social media post referencing a recent email sent to schools that explicitly named him, former DGP Sumedh Saini, and the Punjab Chief Minister. Mustafa described the blast and the threat as shockingly indicative of a collapsing law and order ecosystem in the state, criticizing local police for a total lack of professionalism.
Police Initial Assessment: Buffalo Stepped on Chemical
Police had earlier claimed that preliminary assessments indicated the explosion occurred when a buffalo stepped on a discarded polythene bag filled with potash, a highly volatile chemical commonly used in firecracker manufacturing. The explosion injured the animal. Locals informed police that a similar blast took place at the same dump site in May last year.
DSP Urges Public Not to Panic
Amargarh Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sanjiv Kapoor urged the public not to panic. We are working on multiple theories, examining both the forensic chemical footprints and local human intelligence, DSP Kapoor said. A comprehensive investigation report will soon be submitted to the court.
Illegally Manufactured Firecrackers Seized
Sandaur police in Malerkotla on Wednesday raided a rented facility and seized 576 boxes containing illegally manufactured firecrackers. Authorities suspect a direct link between the locally manufactured firecrackers and the hazardous waste dumped at the garbage site that led to the explosion on Tuesday. Investigating officer Surinder Kumar stated that a case has been registered against unidentified persons, and raids are ongoing to identify and apprehend the accused.
