PATHANKOT — Reports of a loud explosion outside the residence of Punjab BJP leader Ashwani Sharma caused a brief panic early Sunday morning before police clarified that the sound was caused by a firecracker, not an explosive device. Following a swift investigation, law enforcement agencies identified and detained a local youth in connection with the incident.
The incident unfolded shortly after Sharma departed his home in Pathankot’s New Bank Colony for Chandigarh at around 4:30 a.m. Approximately one hour later, at roughly 5:30 a.m., residents in the area heard a loud, blast-like sound coming from about 50 metres away from his residence. The sudden noise prompted neighbours to step out of their homes, and emergency services were alerted immediately.
Responding to the call, teams from the local police, intelligence agencies, forensic units, and a dog squad arrived at the scene. Authorities cordoned off the entire neighbourhood to conduct a thorough search and examine nearby CCTV footage. Preliminary assessments confirmed that no structural damage occurred and no explosive material was present at the site.
During the review of CCTV footage, police spotted a local youth lighting a firecracker near the location. The individual was identified as Abhishek, a resident of the same area. Police subsequently took him into custody for questioning, and further investigation into the matter remains ongoing.
