An explosion caused by a grenade rocked the headquarters of the 16 Rashtriya Rifles in the Surankote area of Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday evening. The blast, which occurred at approximately 7:45 PM, claimed the life of an army soldier, identified as Sepoy Bhavesh Chaudhary from 18 MAC. The incident has triggered widespread mourning and concern.
The force of the explosion created fear among the local population residing near the site. Following the blast, the Surankote market and surrounding areas were placed under increased security. A joint operation involving the army and Jammu and Kashmir Police was launched, with the area being sealed off and a thorough search commenced. The circumstances surrounding the explosion are still being investigated by the authorities.
Authorities are currently investigating the exact cause of the explosion. Whether the blast was a result of a deliberate act of terrorism or an unintentional accident remains undetermined. The army’s investigation unit and bomb disposal teams are present at the location to gather evidence and establish the facts. The security forces have heightened the alert level across the region and increased vigilance in response to potential threats.
Separately, two more soldiers were injured in another grenade explosion in the Draba area of Poonch district on Monday. The cause of this explosion, whether it occurred during a training exercise or due to another factor, is also under investigation. Both injured soldiers received immediate medical attention and are currently hospitalized. Their condition is reported to be stable.