Terror angle can’t be ruled out in Amritsar blasts, says Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav

Speaking about the blasts he said, “We are exploring all angles… Whether it is the terror angle, someone’s mischief or even if it was a personal rivalry. All angles are being studied minutely. Preliminary investigations show that it was a low-intensity blast, basically a mixture of potassium and potash which explodes really loudly, but there was no shrapnel in it. The explosive was in a soft container and was pulled by a rope. In other words, a very crude kind of explosive.”

The DGP stated that the Punjab police was investigating the incidents in coordination with agencies like NIA, NSG and forensic experts.

Talking about Operation Vigil, he said, “Senior police officers have been assigned districts to supervise the operation under which early morning checking of hotels will be done, besides surprise checking of bazaars, railway stations, bus stand, etc so as to nab anti-social elements. In addition to this, we want to build confidence in the general public and want to send out a larger message of peace and communal harmony in the state. We will maintain brotherhood, peace and harmony in the state and no one will be allowed to do any mischief at any cost.” The DGP inspected the Ludhiana bus stand Tuesday afternoon.

It is learnt that over 900 nakas have been set up at various places in Punjab to do random checking of vehicles and even to keep an eye on suspected individuals. Flag marches are also being taken out in various districts.

Massive movement of police personnel could also be seen in districts including Mansa, Muktsar, Bathinda, Sangrur, Barnala and Ludhiana.