Chandigarh Police recovered a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) and a firearm from an area behind the Inter-State Bus Terminus in Sector 43 on Sunday and arrested three people in connection with the find, officials said.
Recovery, arrests and FIR
The items were discovered concealed in a tiffin box, police said. The three people — described by sources as being from Punjab — were taken into custody and an FIR was registered at Police Station, Sector 36, according to a Chandigarh Police statement issued late on Sunday.
"Chandigarh Police apprehended three people in connection with a case involving a suspected IED and firearm. An FIR has been registered at Police Station, Sector 36. A suspected IED and other material have been recovered from the apprehended persons," the statement said.
Investigating agencies have begun forensic and technical examination of the recovered material to determine the nature of the device, its origin, and any wider network or motive, the statement added.
Security response and public reassurance
Following the recovery, security arrangements around the bus terminus and other transit points were intensified as a precaution. Police said there was no cause for panic and that they were maintaining heightened vigilance while carrying out necessary preventive measures to ensure public safety.
- Location of recovery: area behind Inter-State Bus Terminus, Sector 43, Chandigarh.
- Items recovered: suspected IED concealed in a tiffin box, a firearm and other material.
- Action taken: three persons apprehended; FIR registered at Police Station, Sector 36; investigations under way.
What authorities are examining
Sources said specialised teams are examining the recovered items to establish whether the device was functional or an inert/explosive component, and to trace its source. The probe aims to clarify the motive, any intended target, and whether the suspects acted alone or were part of a broader network. Police have not disclosed the identities of the arrested pending further inquiry and possible formal charges.
| Aspect | Current status |
|---|---|
| Recovery site | Behind ISBT, Sector 43 |
| Items recovered | Suspected IED (tiffin box), firearm, other material |
| Arrests | Three persons taken into custody |
| FIR | Registered at Police Station, Sector 36 |
Context and local impact
The Inter-State Bus Terminus in Sector 43 is a busy transit hub for commuters within Chandigarh and for inter-city travellers. Any recovery of explosive material in such an area typically triggers an immediate security and investigative response to rule out imminent threats and to reassure the public. Officials said transit operations were not reported to be disrupted beyond the security checks and investigatory activity at the scene.
Police sources indicated that investigative agencies have been mobilised to carry out forensic analysis and ballistic examination of the firearm. CCTV footage from the area is expected to be reviewed as part of the probe. Authorities have so far not released technical details about the suspected device or the firearm, pending expert analysis.
Official statements and next steps
The Chandigarh Police statement reiterated the force's commitment to public safety and said further information would be shared as the probe progresses. Agency reports cited in official communication said the investigation will look into the alleged origin of the suspects and any links outside the Union Territory.
As the inquiry continues, the focus for investigators will be on technical forensic results, possible charges to be framed against the detained persons, and establishing whether there was any specific target or planned action. The public has been urged to remain calm and to cooperate with authorities if contacted for information.
(With agency inputs)
