2 killed, 3 injured in blast in Ludhiana court complex

At least two people have died and three more have sustained injuries in an explosion that occurred in a district court complex in Punjab‘s Ludhiana on Thursday, news agency PTI reported. 

Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi said he will visit Ludhiana to take stock of the situation. He also said that the act was perpetrated by some “anti-national elements” because of the upcoming state assembly elections. 

“I am going to Ludhiana. Some anti-national elements are doing such acts as assembly elections are nearing. The government is on alert. Those found guilty will not be spared,” ANI quoted Channi as saying. 

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The blast occurred near the washroom in the second floor of the building, police said. “Bomb disposal team and forensics team has been called from Chandigarh for probe. There is no need to panic,” Ludhiana Commissioner of Police Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said.   

He also said a probe has been launched into the incident, adding it is difficult to say anything about the investigation at this point. 

The court, located near the District Commissioner’s office in the heart of the city, was functioning when the blast occurred. Police have cordoned off the area and rescue operations are going on.

Meanwhile, former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh expressed his condolences for the deceased and asked Punjab police to take action. 

“Disturbing news of a blast at Ludhiana court complex. Saddened to know about the demise of 2 individuals, Praying for the recovery of those injured. @PunjabPoliceInd must get to the bottom of this,” Singh said in a tweet.