Shimla, Himachal Pradesh – The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe into the recent bomb blast that shook Nalagarh town in Solan district on January 1, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu confirmed on Saturday. Speaking to the media after laying the foundation stone of a Centre of Excellence for divyangjan in Kandaghat, the Chief Minister said that while preliminary investigations are ongoing, the state government is leaving the matter to the central agency, emphasizing that any information regarding the perpetrators will only be revealed once the NIA completes its inquiry.

“The NIA is investigating the Nalagarh bomb blast. Anything regarding the perpetrators of the incident will be known only once the agency submits its report,” Sukhu told reporters, stressing the importance of allowing investigative agencies to carry out their work without speculation or undue pressure. He further noted that state forensic experts have collected samples from the blast site, and CCTV footage from the area is being scrutinized to assist the ongoing investigation.

The explosion, which took place in a narrow lane near the Nalagarh police station, startled residents of the town in the early hours of January 1. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported. However, the force of the blast was significant enough to shatter windows in nearby buildings, including those of an Army canteen located about 40 metres from the site. According to local accounts, the sound of the explosion was audible from a distance of 400–500 metres, causing panic among the residents.

Initial reports indicated that the device used in the blast was an improvised explosive device (IED). While local police began preliminary investigations immediately after the incident, the nature of the attack and its potential links to organized militant groups prompted the transfer of the case to the NIA. The Nalagarh Police had initially registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Sections 324 and 125, along with the Explosive Substances Act, 1908, pending further inquiry.

In the days following the explosion, a social media post, attributed to Babbar Khalsa International and the Punjab Sovereignty Alliance, claimed responsibility for the blast. While the authenticity of the post has not been verified, it suggested that the attack was in retaliation for the Himachal Pradesh police allegedly failing to take action against the smuggling of synthetic drugs manufactured in Himachal Pradesh into Punjab. The post also issued a warning, stating that if no action were taken, IEDs would be planted in vehicles and at police headquarters in the future.

The Nalagarh blast comes amid a period of heightened tension in the region. Punjab has witnessed a spate of attacks targeting police stations in recent years, prompting the state’s Director General of Police to accuse elements operating from abroad, including North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Gulf countries, of attempting to disturb peace. The ongoing pattern of cross-border and transnational involvement in such attacks has placed security agencies on alert across neighboring states, including Himachal Pradesh.

Sukhu’s decision to allow the NIA to handle the investigation underscores the complexity of the case. The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government is cooperating fully with the central agency. He reiterated that the state administration is committed to maintaining law and order, ensuring the safety of its residents, and facilitating all necessary assistance for the NIA to complete its probe efficiently.

While there have been no arrests or public identification of suspects in the Nalagarh blast so far, the investigation is expected to examine multiple angles, including possible militant involvement, local networks aiding smuggling operations, and the origins of explosive materials used in the device. The blast has also prompted Himachal Pradesh police to enhance security measures around sensitive locations, including police stations, government buildings, and other public spaces, particularly in border districts.

The impact of the explosion, though physically limited to property damage, has had a psychological effect on the residents of Nalagarh. Shops and schools in the vicinity temporarily closed in the immediate aftermath, and local authorities increased patrolling to reassure the public. Community leaders and local political representatives have urged residents to remain calm and refrain from spreading rumors while the investigation proceeds.

The central and state agencies are also examining whether there is any link between the Nalagarh blast and ongoing incidents of synthetic drug smuggling across Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. Reports suggest that the trafficking of synthetic narcotics has become a growing concern in northern India, with multiple states reporting seizures of large consignments. The purported claim by Babbar Khalsa International and the Punjab Sovereignty Alliance connecting the blast to drug smuggling highlights the potential convergence of criminal and militant activities in the region, further complicating the security landscape.

Authorities have noted that while the blast did not result in casualties, the use of an IED near a police station represents a significant escalation in tactics, signaling that such groups may be targeting law enforcement infrastructure to destabilize local governance. The NIA’s involvement is expected to bring specialized expertise in counter-terrorism investigation, forensic analysis, and intelligence coordination to identify the perpetrators and their networks.

Security experts have pointed out that the threat of low-intensity explosive attacks, while less deadly than large-scale bombings, can still create substantial disruption, erode public confidence in law enforcement, and divert resources from regular policing activities. They also stress the importance of inter-state cooperation and intelligence-sharing between Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, given the cross-border nature of such threats.

In addition to the NIA investigation, Himachal Pradesh police have intensified surveillance across the Solan district and other vulnerable areas. Vehicle checks, random patrols, and monitoring of public events have been increased to prevent any further incidents. Authorities are also urging citizens to report suspicious activities and remain vigilant without succumbing to fear or panic.

Chief Minister Sukhu’s public statements underline the state’s commitment to ensuring that investigations are conducted in a professional and thorough manner. By emphasizing the role of the NIA and refraining from speculation, the government seeks to maintain public trust and uphold due process, while also signaling to potential perpetrators that attacks on law enforcement and public spaces will be treated with the utmost seriousness.

As investigations continue, security agencies are expected to examine forensic evidence collected from the blast site, including residue analysis, explosive composition, and any digital or physical traces left by the perpetrators. Surveillance footage from nearby CCTV cameras, witness testimonies, and intelligence inputs from national and state agencies will likely form the basis for building a case.

While the Nalagarh bomb blast did not result in injuries, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by militant and criminal elements operating in the northern region of India. It also highlights the challenges faced by state and central authorities in maintaining security, particularly in areas where cross-border and inter-state criminal activity intersects with political and social tensions.

In conclusion, the Nalagarh blast has prompted heightened security awareness in Himachal Pradesh and neighboring states. With the NIA taking the lead, the investigation is expected to uncover critical details about the perpetrators, their motivations, and any broader networks involved. Meanwhile, state authorities continue to prioritize public safety, maintain vigilance, and support the central investigation, while residents of Nalagarh and surrounding areas remain on alert as officials work to restore a sense of security and prevent future incidents.