Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): The investigation into the recovery of an IED and a cache of explosive material near Chandigarh’s Sector 43 bus stand is set to intensify as police prepare to question the three arrested suspects in greater detail.
The accused are being produced before a court today, with investigators likely to seek their custody to determine how the explosives reached Chandigarh, who allegedly directed their activities and whether the recovered material was intended for an attack at a specific location.
The IED was found behind the Sector 43 bus stand on Saturday night. Police also recovered approximately five kilograms of gelatin sticks, detonators, wires, a power source, remote-controlled electronic equipment, a pistol and five cartridges from the area.
Authorities have clarified that the recovered IED was not active.
Accused Allegedly Linked to BKI
The suspects have been identified as Lavpreet Singh, 19, from Sarhali in Tarn Taran; Jasanpreet Singh alias Jasandeep, 21, from Deoba; and Prabhpreet Singh alias Prabh, 19, from Tarasikka in Amritsar.
Police have said their preliminary investigation points towards links with Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), a banned terrorist organisation.
Investigators are also examining an alleged connection with Satnam Satta alias Nau Shera, who is described by police as a Pakistan-based Khalistani terrorist.
The investigation is now focused on establishing whether the three men were working under instructions from an overseas handler and identifying the alleged target for which they had travelled to Chandigarh.
How Did Explosives Reach Chandigarh?
One of the key questions before investigators is the supply chain behind the explosive material and firearm.
Police are examining the accused’s movements and communications to establish where the IED and other material were obtained. Investigators are also checking whether additional members of the alleged network helped transport or conceal the explosives.
The possibility that the suspects may have been involved in earlier assignments is also being examined as part of the wider probe.
Security Tightened Around Sector 43
The recovery has prompted heightened security around the Sector 43 bus stand and neighbouring areas. The locality is particularly sensitive because it includes the bus terminal, district courts and residential areas.
Security personnel have increased surveillance and are monitoring suspicious activity as the investigation proceeds.
Police are separately tracing the origin of the pistol and ammunition found during the operation to determine whether the weapons came through the same network as the explosives.
Earlier Explosive Recoveries in Chandigarh
The latest incident has also revived memories of previous IED recoveries in the city.
In April 2022, police recovered a tiffin-box-style IED from a suspicious bag in Sector 51. The device was accompanied by a detonator, Cordtex wire and nails.
In another case in May 2025, 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 operation.
The current investigation is expected to establish whether the Sector 43 recovery is an isolated incident or part of a larger network operating across Punjab and Chandigarh. The interrogation of the three accused, subject to the court’s decision on remand, is likely to be crucial in determining the alleged handlers, supply routes and intended targets.
