A scooter caught fire near the Border Security Force (BSF) headquarters in Jalandhar, Punjab, causing panic on May 10, 2024. The incident occurred around 7:30 PM close to the main gate of the BSF campus.
Initial reports suggest the scooter, a Hero Destini, belonged to a civilian identified as Gurpreet Singh, a resident of nearby Phillaur. He had parked it outside the BSF headquarters to meet a friend serving within the force. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, but preliminary assessments point towards a possible short circuit.
Firefighters swiftly responded to the scene and extinguished the blaze. While the scooter was completely destroyed, no injuries were reported. The incident triggered a security alert, and BSF personnel immediately cordoned off the area. A thorough search was conducted to rule out any foul play, and bomb disposal teams were also deployed as a precautionary measure.
Police are investigating the incident, examining the scooter’s remains and questioning Gurpreet Singh to determine the exact cause of the fire. Authorities are considering all possibilities, including accidental ignition due to electrical faults or any deliberate act.
The incident comes amidst a series of similar scooter fire incidents reported across India, particularly involving electric scooters, raising concerns about battery safety and quality control. However, this particular scooter was not electric; it was a petrol-powered model. The BSF has increased security measures around its headquarters following the incident, and local police are maintaining heightened vigilance in the area. The investigation is ongoing to ascertain the precise reason for the fire and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
