Man killed, several hurt in Ludhiana court complex explosion

New Delhi, Dec 23: A man has been killed in a blast that took place in a court complex in Ludhiana, Punjab.

Four persons people have suffered injuries in the incident. The blast took place in the second story of the district court complex when the court was in session. The area has been cordoned off and fire tenders have reached the spot. The court complex at Ludhiana is in the heart of the city and is near the District Commissioner's office.

The explosion took place in the washroom of the third floor at around 12.25 pm. The third floor of the building houses 8 courtrooms. Reports said that the lawyers were on strike and that is why the number of advocates present at the premises was lesser than usual.

While initially it was said that two persons were killed, the police have confirmed the death of one person. The police also suspects that the deceased could be the prime suspect.

The blast damaged the roof and walls of the toilet. Following the explosion a grill from the bathroom reel on the vehicles parked on the ground floor. The cause of the blast is not known as yet and police are investigating the same.

Following the incident the entire premises was vacated and the proceedings were also stopped. Commissioner of Police, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar is learning the probe, while the forensic teams and dog squads have been pressed into service.

"An explosion was heard near the record room on the second floor of the Ludhiana Court complex. One person died, two persons were injured in the incident. Bomb disposal team and forensics team have been called from Chandigarh for investigation," the police commissioner told ANI. He also said that the situation inside the court complex was under control and there was no need to panic.

All the four adjoining 6 storey buildings of the district court complex have been cordoned off and there is heavy police presence in the area. The National Investigation Agency has rushed a two member team from its Chandigarh office.

Punjab Chief Minister, Charanjit Singh Channi said that he is going to Ludhiana. Some anti-national elements are doing such acts as the Assembly elections are nearing. The government is on alert and those found guilty will not be spared, Channi also said.

The incident comes close on the heels of incidents of sacrilege. On Saturday a man from UP was lynched after an alleged attempt to commit sacrilege into the sanctum sanctorum of the Golden Temple.

Punjab has also had a drone problem in the recent past. Several drone sightings from Pakistan have been reported. In one incident, the drones had also dropped off arms and ammunition.