Blast outside Punjab BJP office sparks city-wide alert: What we know so far

A blast took place just outside a BJP office in Chandigarh's Sector 37 on Wednesday, sparking a city-wide alert.

Several Chandigarh police teams were observed at the scene of the blast, and a probe into the cause and perpetrators of the blast is underway.

No casualties have been reported so far, nor has any statement been issued from the Punjab office of the saffron party.

According to Chandigarh SSP Kanwardeep Kaur, the explosion took place outside the Punjab BJP office at around 5 PM. Former Punjab BJP chief Ashwani Sharma also confirmed the incident in an X post, in which he shared photographs from the aftermath of the blast.

A parked Honda Activa scooter had been visible at the scene, the SSP said, adding that after the blast, there were approximately 70-80 pellet-like marks—and shrapnel—on the walls of the party office as well.

He also noted that the windshield of a car parked nearby was broken, likely due to the impact of the blast. The area has now been cordoned off as the probe into the cause of the blast continues.

"We heard the sound of the explosion. How did it take place? We could see some signs on the boundary wall. Only police can provide details," Punjab BJP's media cell head told reporters.

"There is no place for violence in democracy. Although it was a low-intensity blast, the agencies are taking it seriously," Union Minister S.P. Singh Baghel said.

Personnel from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have also been deployed at maintain order at the site of the blast.