A suspected Khalistani terrorist was killed in a powerful explosion while attempting to retrieve explosive material from a vacant area near the Majitha Road bypass in Amritsar, Punjab, on Tuesday (May 27, 2025), according to police officials. The blast, which occurred around 9:30 a.m., was so intense that it severed both of the man's arms.

Deputy Inspector General (Border Range) Satinder Singh said the individual is believed to have ties to a terror group such as Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). "He had come to collect the explosive material, and it detonated while it was in his hands," Singh stated during a press briefing in Amritsar.

Authorities have yet to confirm the identity of the deceased. However, Singh mentioned that initial evidence strongly suggests his affiliation with a terrorist organisation. "We found some important clues in his pockets pointing to such links," he added.

A Forensic Science Laboratory team is currently examining the scene to determine whether the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) or a grenade.

Amritsar Rural Senior Superintendent of Police Maninder Singh said the explosion likely occurred due to mishandling while the individual was retrieving the explosive. The blast alarmed local residents, who reported hearing a loud noise and witnessed panic in the area. Police have since cordoned off the site.

DIG Singh urged the public to remain calm, assuring that the investigation is progressing and that authorities will soon get to the bottom of the case