Low-Intensity Blast Outside Punjab BJP Office in Chandigarh Triggers Panic

India: A loud explosion-like sound rocked the area outside the Punjab BJP office in Sector 37 here on Wednesday evening, sending shockwaves through the vicinity and prompting a swift security response.

The incident occurred around 5:57 PM in the parking area near the party office. Witnesses reported a loud bang accompanied by smoke, causing immediate panic among locals and nearby residents.

Initial reports indicated minor damage to a scooter (scooty) and a car parked in the area, with shattered windows and impact marks visible on vehicles and nearby walls. No injuries or casualties have been reported so far, and the BJP office building itself sustained no structural damage.

Chandigarh SSP Kanwardeep Kaur confirmed that teams from the Chandigarh Police, Crime Branch, Crime Cell, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), and NIA had reached the spot. “At around 5 PM, we got information that an explosion was heard near the BJP Office in Sector 37. Prima facie, it appears that a small, crude type of bomb was thrown here,” she said. The area has been cordoned off, and a detailed investigation is in progress to determine the exact cause.

Preliminary assessments point to a low-intensity event. While some early inputs suggest a possible battery explosion in a parked vehicle, officials have not ruled out other possibilities, including a crude explosive device. Forensic teams are examining the site for clues, including any residue or fragments.

BJP leaders expressed concern over the incident. Vinit Joshi, BJP media in-charge, noted that smoke was seen after the blast and described the timing as worrying, especially as a senior party functionary had been staying at the office in recent days.

Security has been heightened across Chandigarh, with police conducting checks in surrounding areas as a precautionary measure.