Explosion near former Punjab BJP President’s House: CCTV reveals the truth
CCTV footage leads police to youth; officials rule out explosive material or terror link
Babushahi Bureau
Pathankot (Punjab), August 2, 2026: A loud explosion-like sound near the residence of former Punjab BJP president and Pathankot MLA Ashwani Sharma caused panic in the New Bank Colony area on Saturday, but a police investigation later found that the sound was caused by a firecracker allegedly set off by a local youth.
The incident occurred around 50 metres from Sharma’s residence. Residents rushed out of their homes after hearing the loud sound, while police and security agencies were alerted.
Sharma was not at home when the incident took place, having left for Chandigarh earlier in the day.
Police personnel, intelligence officials, forensic teams and a dog squad reached the spot and secured the area. Investigators subsequently examined CCTV footage from cameras installed near Sharma’s residence.
The footage reportedly showed a youth, identified as Abhishek, near the location. Police took him into custody for questioning.
According to police officials, Abhishek, who is associated with the grocery and property business, had allegedly found a large firecracker in a vacant house.
SP Sukhwinder Pal Singh and SP Manoj Thakur said the youth initially attempted to set off the firecracker in one vacant plot, but it failed to ignite, allegedly due to moisture. He then moved to another plot and set it off, causing a loud blast.
Police said sparks from the firecracker also damaged the sunshade on the windscreen of a nearby vehicle.
Firecracker remnants were recovered from the spot. Police said the investigation had found no indication of explosive material or any terrorist link.
Further investigation into the incident is underway.