Chandigarh Police have arrested three people and recovered a suspected improvised explosive device (IED), explosive material and a firearm from near the Inter-State Bus Terminus in Sector 43, officials said. The recoveries were made from an area behind the bus stand, where the material was allegedly concealed in a tiffin-box bag. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to determine the source of the explosives, the intended target and whether other people were involved. Chandigarh Police has also said there is no need for panic while security measures are being strengthened.
The three accused have been identified in the supplied report as Lovepreet Singh, 19, of Sarhali village in Tarn Taran; Jashanpreet Singh, 21, of Deobath village in Tarn Taran; and Prabhpreet Singh alias Prabh, 19, of Tarsikka village in Amritsar. According to police, the seizure included around 5 kg of gelatin sticks, a detonator, a power source and a remotely operated system allegedly capable of being used in preparing an explosive device. A pistol, magazine and five live cartridges were also recovered. An FIR has been registered at Sector 36 police station under relevant provisions of the Explosives Act and Arms Act.
Probe into suspected terror plot
Investigators are questioning the accused to establish how the explosive material was obtained, where it was being taken and whether the group had received instructions from others. According to the supplied report, preliminary investigation has indicated a possible connection with Satnam alias Satta Naushera, described as a foreign-based handler allegedly associated with Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). Police suspect the three men may have been acting on instructions from the alleged handler and were planning to plant an IED in Chandigarh. These allegations are part of the ongoing investigation and have not been established by a court.
Security tightened in Chandigarh
The recovery near one of Chandigarh's major inter-state transport points has prompted increased security around the Sector 43 bus stand and other important locations. Investigating agencies are examining the seized material and other evidence as they try to establish the wider network, if any, behind the alleged plot.
Police are also expected to examine whether the accused conducted reconnaissance of potential targets or received instructions relating to other locations. The investigation will determine whether the seized material was intended for an attack in Chandigarh or was being transported elsewhere.
The case comes amid heightened attention on suspected terror networks and the use of criminal networks for facilitating attacks. For now, police are focusing on the arrested suspects, the origin of the explosive material and their alleged links to the foreign-based handler. Further action is likely to depend on evidence gathered during questioning and forensic examination of the recovered items.
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