Suspected Blast At Punjab Police's Intelligence Office HQ in Mohali; Security Increased

In a key development on Monday night, there was a suspected blast at the Intelligence Wing Office of the Punjab Police in Mohali. The blast, which was reportedly conducted using a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), took place at around 7:45 PM. The third floor of the building of the Intelligence Wing was impacted in the blast, with damage to the walls evident in the visuals accessed. 

After the blast, a massive deployment of police was seen on the road opposite to the government establishment, in the visuals accessed, as the entire area was cordoned off. SSP Chandigarh Kuldeep Chahal was also present at the blast site along with other senior officials. Police have begun the investigation, with CCTV footage now being monitored to ascertain the sequence of events leading to the blast. 

CM talks to DGP, seeks information

Meanwhile, a  press communique was released by Mohali Police in the incident. " A minor explosion was reported at the Punjab Police Intelligence Head quarters in sector 77, SAS Nagar at around 7:45 PM. No damage has been reported. Senior officers are on the spot and investigation is being done. Forensic teams have been called," it read

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is said to have talked to the DGP, and sought complete information about the matter. He is said to be constantly in touch with the Police officials. 

Sources have ruled out the possibility of a terror attack. They say that the explosive kept in the building exploded. 

Opposition slams AAP govt

As a confimation on the reason behind blast is awaited, the Opposition in the state has begun slamming the AAP government. BJP's Manjinder Singh Sirsa, calling it a 'tragic news', said, "Just a week after Patiala’s clash; now a blast outside Intelligence Bureau, Mohali".

The former SAD leaded highlighted how the Mann-Kejriwal government should focus on the state security instead of chasing BJP's Tajinder Singh Bagga, a dig at the arrest episode. He said, Punjab is a border state & Kejriwal should not experiment with its peace."

Also, Congress' Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa reacted to the blast, calling it a sign of deep communalism. Condemning the incident, he urged the Punjab government to investigate and take stern action against those who are intent on disturbing the peace of Punjab.

This is a breaking development. Further updates are awaited