Jalandhar, May 6 (IANS) Several specialised teams of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have been dispatched to the Jalandhar blast site to conduct an independent investigation of the explosion, sources said on Wednesday.

The teams will conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion, sources added.

At around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, an explosion occurred near the Border Security Force’s Punjab Frontier headquarters in Jalandhar.

According to the Punjab Police, the blast was allegedly caused by a scooter catching fire. Police are probing the incident to determine the precise cause of the explosion.

The scooter involved belonged to Gurpreet Singh, who works with a courier company, and the police are currently questioning him, officials said.

This blast outside the BSF headquarters was followed by another explosion near Khasa Cantonment in Amritsar. The Indian Army, Punjab Police and security agencies immediately reached the spot to carry out the investigation.

The blast, which occurred around 10:50 p.m. on Tuesday, led to the deployment of the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) and forensic teams to the site.

The Forensic Science Laboratory team collected samples and other material evidence, which have been sent for analysis to ascertain the exact nature and cause of the explosion.

Speaking to reporters, SP Aditya Warrier had said, “We received information around 10:30 p.m. that an explosion-like sound was heard here near Khasa. To verify this, police forces and the Army reached the spot. The bomb disposal squad also arrived, and operations are ongoing.”

He added that the BDS conducted a detailed inspection at the location while the forensic team gathered evidence for further examination.

Following the incident, the Army cordoned off the area, and heightened surveillance is being maintained given the site’s proximity to the cantonment.

Authorities said that an investigation is underway and more details are awaited.

No injuries were reported in either of the incidents.

Further details are awaited.

–IANS

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