Sirsa blast: Five held, police probe Khalistani link and money trail

Sirsa Police have arrested five youths in connection with a low-intensity blast near the Women’s Police Station, an incident now being investigated for suspected links to Khalistani outfits. The explosion, which caused no injuries, was captured on video and circulated widely on social media, prompting heightened security across the district.

Money deal emerges

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Sources said investigators have uncovered evidence of a financial transaction between the five arrested youths and a suspected Khalistani group in the Sirsa Women’s Police Station blast case. The payment — made in cash and through online transfers — was reportedly given specifically for executing the explosive act.

Preliminary findings indicate the youths held anti-national views and intended to create panic. Sirsa Police have alerted Central agencies and sought support from Punjab Police to trace potential links with Khalistani handlers and foreign networks.

Police said the video was uploaded from an Instagram account named “King Shooters”, which allegedly claimed responsibility on behalf of the Khalistan Liberation Army. The blast occurred late on Tuesday night in an open patch at the station’s gate, directly opposite the residence of former MP Ashok Tanwar.

Following the explosion, security teams were rushed to the spot. Forensic, cyber and Scene of Crime experts examined the area on Wednesday and Thursday. Nails commonly found in grenade devices and several masks were recovered. CCTV footage from nearby shops, establishments and hotels has also been seized.

Sirsa SP Deepak Saharan confirmed that the viral video depicted the detonation of a suspicious object. “Five suspects have been detained. Three of them were present at the spot and recorded the video,” he said.

The arrested youths, aged 20 to 24, have limited schooling, most having studied only up to Classes 8 or 9. Their financial and foreign connections are now under scrutiny.

A Special Investigation Team headed by ASP Faisal Khan has been constituted, with members from CIA Rania, Sirsa CIA, Ellenabad CIA and the Cyber Cell. The accused have been taken to Rania and Kharian for on-site reconstruction of events.

Initial questioning indicates an “anti-national mindset,” the SP said. Three of the suspects already face assault cases, while one is a drug addict. Four belong to Kharian village and one to the Housing Board Colony in Sirsa.

A case has been registered under Sections 109, 111 and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Sections 3 and 4 of the Explosives Act, and Section 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Explosive samples have been collected, and Punjab Police is assisting in probing any larger module.

Saharan appealed for calm and cautioned against misinformation. “Police work on facts, not social media noise. We are examining every angle, and no one spreading fear will be spared,” he said.