Two banned terrorist organizations have publicly taken responsibility for an improvised explosive device (IED) blast that occurred near a police station in Himachal Pradesh's Solan district. The incident, which took place on Thursday morning, has prompted a high-level investigation involving national agencies.
Outfits Issue Statement, Name Alleged Attackers
In a significant development, the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and the Punjab Sovereignty Alliance (PSA) claimed on Friday that they orchestrated the explosion near the Nalagarh police station. Their stated motive is the alleged manufacture of synthetic drugs in Himachal Pradesh and their subsequent trafficking into Punjab.
Through social media posts and an official statement, the BKI, a proscribed terror group, provided further details. They asserted that the planning and execution of the IED blast were carried out by two individuals named Gopi Nawanshahria and Kabal Singh.
The group's press release contained a stark warning. It accused the police administration of inaction despite being aware of the drug trade, claiming the narcotics are causing deaths among the youth. The statement threatened more severe attacks, including planting IEDs in police vehicles and headquarters, if no action is taken. "Our fight is not against any innocent person, it is against this dirty system," the statement read.
Blast Details and Immediate Aftermath
The explosion occurred at approximately 9:40 am on Thursday, January 1, 2026. The force of the blast created a crater two feet deep and shattered window panes of nearby buildings. Police officials reported that the impact was felt within a radius of 40 to 50 meters.
Following the blast, security was immediately heightened in and around Nalagarh and adjoining regions. The area surrounding the blast site was secured by the police for a thorough forensic examination.
Investigation Intensifies with NIA Involvement
Confirming the claims, Baddi Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar Dhiman stated that the police are aware of the responsibility claimed by BKI and PSA. The investigation has now been taken over by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
"A team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) visited the blast site today. The forensic experts also inspected the spot. We are in constant touch with the Punjab Police in connection with this case," SP Dhiman told the media.
The involvement of the NIA underscores the seriousness with which central agencies are treating this act of terror in the hill state. The collaboration with Punjab Police indicates a cross-state dimension to the probe, likely linked to the drug trafficking allegations made by the terror outfits.
