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Blast Near Amritsar Cantonment Area; Jalandhar Scooter Fire; Patiala Rail Blast Earlier; Political Reactions Emerge
A blast occurred in Khasa near the Amritsar cantonment area around 10:50 pm on May 5, 2026. No casualties were reported, with BDS and FSL teams involved in investigation. On the same day, a scooter fire near BSF Chowk in Jalandhar was reported with no injuries; earlier, on April 27, a detonation attempt caused a railway blast in Rajpura, Patiala district, with the attacker dying. These events triggered sharp political reactions from SAD, BJP, and Congress criticizing the Punjab government.
Why It Matters
The incidents raise concerns about public safety and law-and-order in Punjab and have prompted political critique of governance in the state. The involvement of forensic teams and security agencies underscores ongoing scrutiny of preventive security measures.
Timeline
6 Events
Congress reaction: Calls for proactive safety measures; speedy recovery wished
May 5, 2026
Congress leader and Punjab MLA Partap Singh Bajwa expressed alarm at the Jalandhar explosion, citing safety lapses and urging proactive, visible steps to secure lives and restore public confidence. He wished a speedy recovery to the injured BSF jawan.
BJP reaction: Punjab law-and-order deteriorating; governance cannot be optics
May 5, 2026
Punjab BJP General Secretary Parminder Singh Brar described the blast near the BSF headquarters in Jalandhar as a chilling reminder of deteriorating law and order in Punjab. He criticized the AAP government, saying governance cannot be replaced by optics and theatrics, and urged accountability for public safety.
SAD General Secretary Majithia condemns blast; calls for national attention
May 5, 2026
SAD General Secretary Bikram Singh Majithia condemned the blast, alleging the Punjab government has failed to maintain law and order. He questioned how a blast could occur in a busy area, criticised the police for allegedly reaching a conclusion within minutes without a proper inquiry, and suggested the incident may indicate a cover-up. He urged the Union Home Minister and Prime Minister to take a serious view of Punjab's security situation and called for immediate corrective action.
Scooter caught fire near BSF Chowk, Jalandhar; no injuries
May 5, 2026
A scooter caught fire near the BSF Chowk in Jalandhar on Tuesday, prompting an immediate response from local authorities. No injuries were reported.
Blast in Khasa near Amritsar cantonment area; no casualties
May 5, 2026
A blast occurred in Khasa near the cantonment area in Amritsar at around 10:50 pm on Tuesday. Police and security agencies responded swiftly. No casualties were reported. The Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) was called to inspect the site. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) collected samples and evidence, which have been sent for analysis to determine the nature and cause of the incident. Preliminary investigation is underway and further details are awaited.
April 27, 2026 Patiala district railway blast after detonation attempt
April 27, 2026
Earlier, on April 27, a blast occurred on a railway track in the Rajpura area of Patiala district after a detonation attempt was made late at night. According to Patiala Police, the person who carried out the detonation attempt died, while no other casualties or damage to property were reported.