Solan, Himachal Pradesh: A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team on Friday conducted an on-site inspection of the location where an explosion occurred near the Nalagarh police station in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district, even as pro-Khalistan groups purportedly claimed responsibility for the incident on social media, police officials said. The blast, which took place on Thursday morning, has triggered a comprehensive investigation involving local, state, and central agencies, highlighting the continued security challenges posed by extremist groups in northern India.
According to local police officials, the explosion created a two-and-a-half-foot deep crater near the police station, though fortunately, no casualties were reported. Baddi Superintendent of Police Vinod Dhiman said that the immediate focus of authorities was on securing the site and collecting forensic evidence. “The investigation is ongoing. We have scanned CCTV footage from the surrounding area, but nothing suspicious has been found so far. Officials from the Forensic Science Department visited the site and collected samples to aid the investigation,” he said.
The NIA, the federal counter-terrorism agency, visited the site following standard protocols in such cases. Deputy Inspector General Anjum Ara explained, “A team from the NIA is routinely deployed to inspect sites of explosions and other terror-related incidents. Their expertise in handling explosives and analyzing potential terror links is critical for an accurate and thorough investigation.”
Amid the early stages of the probe, two pro-Khalistan organisations — Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and the Punjab Sovereignty Alliance (PSA) — purportedly claimed responsibility for the blast in a post circulated on social media platforms. The post, which HT could not independently verify, reportedly stated that the attack was intended to target the manufacturing and distribution of synthetic drugs from Himachal Pradesh to Punjab. “This attack was carried out by our brave soldiers because synthetic drugs are being manufactured in Himachal and sent to Punjab,” the post allegedly said. “If the administration still does not wake up or no action is taken, then next time IEDs will be planted in vehicles and headquarters of the police administration, and a response will be given that will be beyond their comprehension.”
The apparent claim of responsibility has prompted heightened vigilance across Himachal Pradesh, as well as coordination with security forces in Punjab. While authorities are treating the social media post with caution, it has nevertheless spurred a series of precautionary measures. “We have seen the post, but the credibility of the claim is yet to be established. Investigations are ongoing, and all districts have been directed to remain on high alert,” SP Dhiman said.
In addition to the NIA and local police, teams from the Himachal Pradesh Police headquarters have been mobilised to conduct detailed investigations, including CCTV scanning and forensic analysis. Police have also coordinated with the Punjab Police to determine if the blast is linked to any cross-border or cross-state networks. Multiple teams have been set up to examine the explosion from all possible angles, including the nature of the explosive device, any material evidence left at the site, and potential local support networks that may have facilitated the attack.
A case has been formally registered at Nalagarh police station under sections 324(4) — pertaining to mischief with explosives — and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which addresses acts endangering life or personal safety. Relevant provisions of the Explosive Substances Act have also been invoked, ensuring that the investigation encompasses both criminal and anti-terrorism dimensions. Authorities have emphasised that the matter is being investigated comprehensively and that the situation remains under continuous monitoring.
The incident comes against a backdrop of ongoing concerns about extremist activity linked to pro-Khalistan groups in northern India. Babbar Khalsa International, one of the groups mentioned in the purported claim, has historically been associated with violent activities targeting state institutions and officials. Similarly, the Punjab Sovereignty Alliance has, in past communications, promoted separatist agendas, often citing perceived injustices or administrative failures in Punjab and surrounding states. While the direct involvement of these groups in the Solan blast is yet to be conclusively verified, the claim has nonetheless led to increased security measures in both Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.
Officials emphasised that all precautionary measures, including roadblocks, intensified patrolling, and coordination with neighbouring states, are being implemented to prevent further incidents. Special attention is being paid to police stations, government offices, and critical infrastructure, as these sites are typically symbolic targets for groups seeking to challenge the authority of the state.
Security analysts noted that the targeting of a police station could reflect an attempt by extremist groups to assert influence or instill fear, particularly in regions where cross-border or cross-state smuggling and other illicit activities are present. The reference in the purported social media post to synthetic drug trafficking underscores the intersection of criminal networks and extremist agendas. While the motive remains under investigation, the post indicates a possible link between illicit drug operations and the group’s strategy to justify violent actions.
The NIA and local police are also focusing on technological forensics. CCTV footage from the surrounding area is being scrutinised, and any digital evidence, including social media activity, communications, and metadata, will be analysed to track the origin and authenticity of the claimed responsibility. Coordination with intelligence agencies is ongoing to determine if the blast represents an isolated incident or part of a larger operational plan by extremist groups.
Residents in the area reported hearing a loud explosion early Thursday morning, which shook nearby buildings and created a visible crater. While no injuries were reported, the blast heightened fear in the community, prompting police to evacuate areas near the site and establish a secure perimeter for forensic examination. Local officials also appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
The Himachal Pradesh administration has urged all district police units to maintain heightened readiness. In addition to preventive patrols, officials have emphasised the importance of community awareness programs and rapid response measures in the event of any further incidents. While the investigation is in its early stages, authorities are treating the blast with the utmost seriousness, given its potential implications for regional security and public safety.
As of Friday, the NIA and state police have not disclosed any evidence confirming the authenticity of the social media post claiming responsibility. Officials continue to maintain that the investigation is multi-faceted, examining local, regional, and potential external links. The agency has appealed for public cooperation, urging citizens to avoid sharing unverified information on social media that could hinder the ongoing probe.
The Solan blast highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in addressing security threats in regions with active extremist networks. Analysts suggest that vigilance, rapid deployment of investigative teams, and coordination across state lines are essential for both solving the case and preventing future attacks. “The combination of local intelligence, forensic analysis, and inter-state cooperation is crucial,” said a security analyst familiar with NIA procedures. “Even if the social media claim is found to be false, the response framework needs to be robust to ensure public safety.”
In summary, the Solan blast near Nalagarh police station has prompted a comprehensive investigation involving the NIA, Himachal Pradesh Police, and allied agencies. While pro-Khalistan groups BKI and PSA have purportedly claimed responsibility, the authenticity of the claim remains unverified. The blast has led to heightened security measures across Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, and officials continue to probe all possible angles, including explosives forensics, digital evidence, and local intelligence. Authorities have assured that the situation is under constant monitoring, and citizens are advised to remain alert while the investigation progresses.
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