Patiala Explosion Near Railway Track Under Investigation; No Civilian Casualties Reported

Authorities in Punjab have launched an investigation after an explosion occurred close to a railway track in Patiala late on Monday night.

Officials confirmed on Tuesday that the incident caused limited damage.

Police said the blast took place around 10 PM along the Shambhu–Ambala section, a route mainly used for freight movement. A portion of the track sustained minor damage, but operations continued without significant disruption.

An unidentified body lay near the site of the explosion. Officials have not yet established whether the deceased individual had any connection to the incident.

Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police Varun Sharma stated that early findings suggest an attempted detonation may have caused the explosion rather than a low-intensity blast. He added that the person involved may have died at the location, though authorities have yet to confirm this.

Senior police officers, including the Deputy Inspector General and district officials, visited the scene soon after the incident to assess the situation and oversee the initial inquiry.

The development has sparked political criticism, with leaders from the Shiromani Akali Dal raising concerns about security lapses in the state.

Party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal described the episode as a major intelligence failure, claiming prior warnings had not been acted upon. He also urged the state government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, to take immediate measures to strengthen the protection of key infrastructure.

Other party leaders echoed similar concerns, pointing to a pattern of recent security incidents across Punjab and questioning the government’s handling of law and order.

Police officials said a detailed investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the explosion and the identity of the deceased.

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