Police in Bagh district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have said an explosion at a house in Pandi Topi village was caused by explosives placed inside the building, not by a gas cylinder as early local accounts had suggested. At least four people, including two women and two children, were killed in the blast on October 29, and a 15-year-old girl was injured.
Initial reports, based on comments from local residents, pointed to a cylinder explosion. Police rejected that account, saying their findings showed explosive material had already been put inside the house.
Police reject gas cylinder explanation
Bagh District Superintendent of Police Ameeruddin, speaking in a video statement, said the blast came from inside the house and that nothing had been thrown in from outside. He said the lack of blast marks on the walls, along with a crater on the floor of the damaged structure, supported the police assessment.
The SP condemned the deaths of innocent people, particularly women and children, and described attacks on civilians as an unlawful act.
Victims and injured girl named in police statement
A police statement said the explosion happened at around 7pm on October 29, 2026, at the residence of Shakdar, son of Sohbat, in Pandi village. Two women, a boy and a girl who were inside the house died, according to police.
The injured 15-year-old, identified as Aneeka Shakdar, was taken to District Headquarters Hospital Bagh, where she is receiving treatment.
SP accuses banned JAAC elements of social media campaign
Ameeruddin alleged that miscreants opened indiscriminate fire on law enforcement personnel and used grenade launchers after the explosion. He also accused elements linked to the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of spreading false and misleading information online to blame state institutions.
He further claimed that some individuals were using social media to fuel confrontation with the state and exploiting the homes of poor residents as hideouts. The SP vowed that those responsible for the deaths and the attacks on police would be brought to justice. Police said investigations into the incident were continuing.
