A post blast analysis team of the National Security Guard, the central counter terrorism force, has reached Amritsar after another explosion rocked the holy city on Monday. Two mysterious blasts have taken place in close proximity to each other in the bustling streets outside the Golden temple, raising concern within the security agencies about the motive of the purported attack.
Both the blasts are suspected to have been caused by explosive materials kept inside the cans of an energy drink.
This has also raised suspicion about the same set of miscreants trying to disturb peace in the region.
In the first instance, the blast went off after a suspected drug addict pulled a thread that caused the explosion in the can, sources familiar with the investigation said. The impact was that of a crude bomb, as splinters of the blast container injured one person and caused some damage in the surrounding area.
“The explosive material seems to be low grade like potash but a forensic analysis will confirm the composition,” said a senior security official . “It was a low intensity IED,” the official said .
The fact that it was not a sophisticated bomb in both the blasts is some relief to the Punjab police which is keeping a close watch on the law and order situation following the arrest of radical preacher Amritpal Singh on April 23.
However, the police is looking at all possible angles and has dispatched its counter intelligence unit led by senior officers to the spot to examine the incident. The situation is being monitored at the highest level by DGP Gaurav Yadav.
At the same time, the NSG team is doing a post blast analysis to study the explosive material forensically as well as to analyse the site of the explosions for more clues.
There are tight security measures every year in Punjab ahead of the June 6 anniversary of Operation Bluestar and once again the anti-terror units are on their toes to thwart any attempts by radical elements or miscreants to disturb the law and order situation in the state. The worry is whether there can be a repeat performance in coming days or precursor to a bigger attack.
Normally, civilians are not targeted by extremists in Punjab who chose security forces or other vital installations. However, the latest explosions have put security agencies on alert as they believe it is an act of mischief which raises questions about the motive behind the blasts.