Intelligence and anti-terror agencies are investigating an explosion that occurred at a police outpost in Ghaziabad on Friday night to determine whether the incident was a targeted attack or an accidental blast. The explosion took place at the Vasundhara police outpost at approximately 9 p.m. A food delivery worker, identified as Ishan, was injured when he arrived at the outpost to deliver a meal to Sub-Inspector Vikas Singh. Ishan, a resident of Arthala, sustained injuries from shattered glass and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains in stable condition. Sub-Inspector Singh was unhurt in the incident, which caused structural damage to the outpost, including cracked walls and shattered windowpanes. Most police personnel assigned to the outpost were on patrol duty at the time due to Dhanteras festivities. Following the blast, an X account allegedly linked to an outfit identifying itself as Tehreek Ul Mujahideen Hindustan (TMH) claimed responsibility for the incident. According to sources, the claim surfaced around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday via an account named ‘Ghazi 2,’ which circulated audio and video messages alongside a statement bearing the group’s insignia. The statement alleged the blast was an operation against the government and threatened further attacks. Police have not verified the authenticity of the claim or established any formal link between the group and the explosion. Teams from the National Investigation Agency, the Delhi Police Special Cell, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), the Special Task Force, the Intelligence Bureau, and local intelligence units inspected the site on Saturday. UP ATS DIG Abhishek Yadav was among the officials who visited the outpost to oversee the investigation. Ghaziabad Police Commissioner J. Ravinder Goud stated that the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, with authorities exploring all possibilities. Investigators are currently examining whether the blast could have been caused by firecrackers stored at the outpost or a malfunctioning air-conditioning unit. Additionally, police are investigating an abandoned scooter found approximately 1.5 kilometers from the scene. The owner of the scooter, identified as Momin, has been questioned, though police stated no link between him and the incident has been established. A case has been registered at the Indirapuram police station under the Explosives Act, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including those pertaining to the use of explosives and the obstruction of public servants. Forensic evidence is currently being analyzed to determine the origin of the blast.
Article source: Indian Express | Image credit: Indian Express