Chandigarh Police on Sunday arrested three men and recovered a suspected improvised explosive device (IED), roughly 5 kg of explosive material, a detonator and a pistol from behind the Inter‑State Bus Terminus (ISBT) in Sector 43, the force said.
Seizure prompted by a public sighting, area cordoned
According to a police statement reported by PTI and regional outlets, the suspected IED was found concealed inside a tiffin bag behind the bus stand and was spotted by an onlooker. The police, assisted by the bomb disposal squad and forensic teams, reached the scene, cordoned off the area and recovered the equipment.
"There is no need for panic. Preventive security measures are being taken to ensure public safety," the Chandigarh Police said, according to a PTI report.
An FIR has been registered at Sector‑36 police station and the case is being investigated under relevant provisions of the Explosives Act and the Arms Act, police said.
Accused identified; investigators probe external link
Regional media reports, citing police sources, identified the three arrested men as Lovepreet Singh, 19, of Sarhali village, Tarn Taran; Jashanpreet Singh, 21, of Deobath village, Tarn Taran; and Prabhpreet Singh alias Prabh, 19, of Tarsikka village, Amritsar. Authorities said the three were apprehended in connection with the recovery.
Preliminary inquiries have indicated a possible connection between the accused and a foreign‑based handler alleged to be associated with Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), identified in reports as Satnam alias Satta Naushera. Investigators are examining whether the suspects acted on instructions from that individual and are probing the source and chain of custody of the explosive material.
Items recovered
Investigators recovered multiple components that, taken together, could be used to assemble an explosive device. The main items reported seized include:
- Suspected IED packed inside a tiffin bag
- Approximately 5 kg of gelatin sticks (explosive material)
- Detonator and a power source
- Remotely operated system allegedly capable of being used in device initiation
- Pistol, magazine and five live cartridges
| Item | Reported quantity / detail |
|---|---|
| Gelatin sticks | About 5 kg |
| Detonator | Recovered |
| Power source / remote system | Recovered |
| Pistol, magazine, cartridges | Pistol, magazine and five live cartridges |
| IED containment | Tiffin bag |
Public safety and ongoing probe
Following the recovery, security arrangements around the ISBT and adjacent locations were tightened, police said. Forensic teams examined the recovered items at the spot and evidence was taken for laboratory analysis to determine the composition of the explosives and the device's operational capability.
Police added that investigative agencies are tracing the supply chain and communications of the arrested men. The probe will focus on where the explosive material originated, the intended target or plan, and whether additional persons are involved. Authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm and report any suspicious activity.
The case has drawn attention because of the bus terminus's high footfall and because preliminary lines of inquiry point to an alleged handler abroad with links to a proscribed group. Investigations are continuing and the police said further details would be shared as the probe progressed.
Under the applicable provisions of the Explosives Act and the Arms Act, possession of explosive material and unauthorised firearms can attract stringent penalties if the charges are sustained in court. The FIR recorded at Sector‑36 will determine the specific sections invoked as forensic and technical reports arrive.
Police did not provide details of any judicial custody or remand proceedings in their initial statement. Local law enforcement sources said they were coordinating with central agencies as required for counter‑terror and explosives expertise.
Residents and travellers using the Sector‑43 bus terminus were advised to follow official instructions and to alert the nearest police station about any unattended packages or suspicious behaviour.
