Punjab: 1 dead in Ludhiana court complex blast

In Punjab,1 person died and four others were injured in a blast that rocked the Ludhiana court complex on Thursday. The explosion took place in a washroom on the second floor of the District and Sessions court complex in Ludhiana around 12:22 pm, police said. Ludhiana's police chief Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said one body has been recovered. "Probably that person was either carrying explosive or was very near to it. We are awaiting arrival of NSG team from Delhi. Four injured are out of danger," he added.Chief Minister Charanjit Channi said that the blast was carried to disrupt law and order in the city ahead of assembly polls. Channi condemned the blast and urged people to stay calm. "Anybody trying to disturb the peace and harmony of the state, will be taken to task," he said.

Police have confirmed one death in the explosion, though initially two deaths were reported from the spot. Former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh said he was saddened to know about the deaths in the blast. Praying for the recovery of those injured. Punjab Police must get to the bottom of this,” Amarinder Singh tweeted. Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal tweeted, “Shocked by news of blast at Ludhiana district court where two people lost their lives and several injured. May Guru Sahib grant peace to departed souls & fast recovery to the injured. Pb govt must focus on law & order instead of political vendetta to ensure peace & communal harmony in State.”