Chandigarh: The three men arrested in connection with the recovery of an improvised explosive device (IED) and other explosive material near Chandigarh’s Sector 43 bus stand are scheduled to be produced before a court today. Police are expected to seek their remand for further questioning as investigators work to uncover the wider network behind the alleged terror plot.
The case came to light after an IED was recovered from an area behind the Sector 43 bus stand on Saturday night. Along with the device, investigators seized around five kilograms of gelatin sticks, detonators, wires, a power source, remote-controlled electronic components, a pistol and five cartridges.
Police have said the recovered IED was not in an active state.
Three Men Arrested
The arrested suspects have been identified as Lavpreet Singh, 19, of Sarhali in Tarn Taran; Jasanpreet Singh alias Jasandeep, 21, of Deoba in Tarn Taran; and Prabhpreet Singh alias Prabh, 19, of Tarasikka in Amritsar.
According to preliminary police findings, the three are suspected of having links with Babbar Khalsa International.
Investigators are now examining their alleged association with Satnam Satta alias Nau Shera, a Pakistan-based Khalistani terrorist. Authorities are trying to establish whether the suspects were acting on instructions from an overseas handler and, if so, what target they were allegedly assigned in Chandigarh.
Probe Focuses on Source and Intended Target
A major focus of the investigation is determining how the explosive material reached the accused and where it was supposed to be used.
During questioning, police are expected to examine the suspects’ communications, their contacts with alleged handlers and their movements before the recovery of the IED. Investigators are also checking whether additional people were involved in transporting or storing the material.
The possibility of the accused having received instructions for other activities is also being examined.
Security Tightened Around Sector 43
The recovery has prompted increased security around the Sector 43 area, which includes the interstate bus terminal, district court complex and residential localities.
Security agencies are maintaining heightened surveillance in and around the area while the investigation continues.
Police are also examining the source of the firearm and ammunition recovered alongside the explosives. Investigators are checking whether the weapons form part of a larger supply chain allegedly operating through Punjab and Chandigarh.
Earlier IED Cases Under Review
The latest recovery has also brought previous incidents involving explosive devices in Chandigarh back into focus.
In April 2022, an IED concealed inside a tiffin box was recovered from a suspicious bag in Sector 51. The device was accompanied by a detonator, Cordtex wire and nails.
Another case surfaced in May 2025, when two alleged members of the ‘Happy Passian’ module were arrested from Sector 39. Police had recovered an IED, remote control, battery and weapons during that investigation.
The present case is now being investigated for possible connections with a wider terror network. The court proceedings and subsequent interrogation of the three accused are expected to provide greater clarity on the alleged Pakistan-based links, the source of the explosives and the intended target of the suspected plot.
