A powerful explosion shook a locality in Punjab's Malerkotla city on Friday evening, alarming residents and prompting heightened police alert. The blast occurred around 5:30 PM in a garbage pile near the Lasara Drain bridge. Notably, the residence of former Punjab DGP Mohammad Mustafa and his wife, former cabinet minister Razia Sultana, is located approximately 500 meters from the site.
Witness Accounts and Animal Injury
Witnesses reported that a herd of buffaloes owned by local resident Amir Hamza was grazing nearby when the explosion occurred. The blast ripped open a buffalo's stomach and blew off one of its legs. Police, bomb disposal teams, and forensic experts rushed to the scene, along with a veterinary team to treat the injured animal.
Investigation Underway
Malerkotla SSP Gurmeet Singh and Amargarh DSP Sanjeev Kapoor supervised the investigation. The area has been cordoned off. During initial inquiries, locals revealed that a similar blast had occurred at the same garbage dump exactly one year earlier. SSP Singh stated, "We are examining every possibility. The fact that this is the second incident at this location in two years is central to our probe." He added that at first glance, it does not appear to be sabotage, but the forensic report will provide clarity.
Recent Similar Incidents
Barely 10 days ago, blasts occurred near security installations in Jalandhar and Amritsar, raising concerns about security in Punjab.
