Amritsar Rural Police said they thwarted a possible terror incident by recovering an improvised explosive device weighing 690 grams along with an electronic detonator and other components during the intervening night of August 15 and 16. The seizure and subsequent defusal were carried out after a patrol constable noticed a suspicious packet inside the jurisdiction of Gaggomahal police post, officials said.
Seizure, defusal and legal action
According to the Punjab Director General of Police, the explosive was discovered wrapped in a black wax-coated packet. The item was handled by the Bomb Disposal Squad and destroyed following standard security procedures. Authorities have registered a case under the Explosive Substances Act at Ramdas police station in Amritsar Rural, and further investigation is under way, police said.
"Amritsar Rural Police averts a terror plot targeting a police establishment and recovers an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) weighing 690 grams, along with an electronic detonator, battery, timer and iron box," Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said in a post on X.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Amritsar Rural, Kanwalpreet Singh Chahal, said the discovery followed heightened security checks around government establishments in the run-up to Independence Day. The patrol that found the packet was conducted by Assistant Sub-Inspector Kulbir Singh, who observed the suspicious item during his night duty, the SSP reported.
Items recovered and immediate steps
Police listed the following items as recovered from the packet and surrounding area. The explosives were destroyed by the Bomb Disposal Squad; other components were seized for forensic examination and probe.
- Improvised Explosive Device — 690 grams (destroyed)
- Electronic detonator — seized
- Battery and timer — seized
- Iron box — seized
| Action | Responsible unit | Current status |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery on patrol | Amritsar Rural Police (Gaggomahal post) | Initial seizure |
| Technical handling and defusal | Bomb Disposal Squad | Explosive destroyed |
| Investigation and registration | Ramdas police station | Case under Explosive Substances Act registered |
Police said they are treating the incident as a designed attempt by anti-national elements to target a police establishment. Investigating teams will examine the seized components for fingerprints, circuitry, origin of parts and possible links to wider networks.
Context and local impact
The recovery came amid intensive checks by security agencies in the area before Independence Day. Punjab has in recent years maintained elevated vigilance around national events and key installations, especially after intelligence inputs suggest the possibility of attempts by small groups or individuals to disrupt public safety.
For local residents, the swift recovery and controlled destruction of the device will offer immediate reassurance, but police have urged continued cooperation. Authorities said routine patrols and checks on government and sensitive installations have been increased and advised the public to report any unattended packages, suspicious activity or strangers loitering near official premises.
Investigators will also determine whether the device was intended for use at a specific location or whether it was an experimental or failed attempt. The presence of an electronic detonator, battery and timer will be examined to establish the sophistication and possible sourcing of parts.
As the probe continues, police did not release details on any suspects or possible leads. Officials said they will share further information as forensic analysis and field enquiries progress.
The incident underlines the importance of vigilant patrolling and quick coordination between local police and bomb-disposal units at a time when major civic events and national celebrations can be potential targets for those seeking to create fear or instability.
