Amritsar blasts: Timely action could have prevented latest explosion, Punjab govt 'total failure': SGPC chief
Amritsar, May 11: In the wake of the third low-intensity blast in the holy city within a span of just one week, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Harjinder Singh Dhami on Thursday accused the Punjab Government of being a "total failure" in preventing such incidents.
Another low-intensity blast was reported in the vicinity of the Golden Temple in Punjab's Amritsar in the early hours of Thursday. "This is the failure of the Punjab Government. Had it been deeply investigated, last night's incident would not have taken place," said the SGPC chief said while talking to mediapersons here.
Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami said the committee would strengthen its own task force as the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government had 'failed' to maintain law and order.
"We will strengthen our own task force now. We urge the police to hold a thorough probe into the matter," he added.
The SGPC chief along with police later visited the spot where the incident occurred at around midnight.
As per the Punjab Police, five persons, including one woman, have been arrested in connection with the case.
Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said five persons had been arrested in connection with the explosions that took place this week.
Taking to Twitter, DGP Yadav said the case had been solved with the arrest of five persons, who were involved in the incident. "Amritsar low-intensity explosion cases solved. 5 persons arrested," Punjab DGP tweeted.
This was the third blast in the week that took place in the vicinity of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The latest blast occurred on Wednesday midnight behind the Guru Ramdas Niwas building, police said.
Amritsar Police Commissioner Naunihal Singh had earlier said the Punjab Police were informed around midnight that "a loud sound" had been heard. The blast took place at nearly 12.30 am on Thursday.
According to the Punjab police sources, the motive behind the blast was to disturb peace. "Explosives used in firecrackers were applied in the blast," said sources.
However, no fatalities were reported in the incident.
Notably, Sri Guru Ram Dass Niwas is the oldest 'sarai' (lodge).
The byte of Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh
The press conference of Punjab DGP
- With inputs from agencies