Punjab terror plot foiled: Babbar Khalsa International module busted in Chandigarh, 3 held with IED
The recovery near the Sector 43 bus terminus is significant because the facility witnesses movement of passengers and vehicles from Chandigarh and neighbouring areas.
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Chandigarh Police detained three people on August 23, after recovering suspected explosive material and a firearm from behind the Sector 43 inter-state bus terminus. The material was allegedly concealed inside a tiffin-box bag.
The three men have been identified as Lovepreet Singh, 19, from Sarhali village in Tarn Taran; Jashanpreet Singh, 21, from Deobath village in Tarn Taran; and Prabhpreet Singh alias Prabh, 19, from Tarsikka village in Amritsar, police said.
The recovery led to a security cordon around the area as police examined the suspected explosive device and other material.
What police recovered
Police said they recovered around 5 kg of gelatin sticks, along with a detonator, power source and a remotely operated system allegedly linked to the preparation of an explosive device.
A pistol, magazine and five live cartridges were also recovered.
The material was reportedly found near the Sector 43 bus stand. An FIR has been registered at Sector 36 police station under relevant provisions of the Explosives Act and Arms Act.
Chandigarh Police said in a statement that suspicious items were recovered from behind the Sector 43 bus stand and three people were arrested in connection with the case.
#UPDATE: Chandigarh Police apprehended three persons, namely: Lovepreet Singh (19 years old), Jashanpreet Singh alias Jashandeep (21 years old), and Prabhpreet Singh alias Prabh (19 years old) on the basis of specific intelligence regarding the movement of suspected operatives… https://t.co/EkoYJLReMc
— ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2026
Babbar Khalsa International link under probe
The investigation has so far pointed to a suspected link between the three accused and Babbar Khalsa International, a Khalistani separatist terrorist organisation.
According to the preliminary investigation, the accused allegedly came in contact with Satnam alias Satta Naushera, a foreign-based handler associated with BKI.
Police suspect that the three were acting on his instructions and were allegedly planning to plant an IED in Chandigarh.
However, the alleged links and the suspected terror plan are part of the ongoing investigation and have not been established in court.
Police investigate larger network
Investigators are now questioning the three accused to establish how they allegedly obtained the explosives and where they were taking them.
Police are also examining whether the trio was working alone or was part of a larger network. Investigators are trying to determine whether other people were involved in the alleged plan and whether the recovered material was intended for a specific target.
The suspected IED, its components and the remote-operated system are also being examined as part of the probe.
The recovery near the Sector 43 bus terminus is significant because the facility witnesses movement of passengers and vehicles from Chandigarh and neighbouring areas.
FIR registered
Following the recovery, police registered a case at Sector 36 police station under the relevant provisions of the Explosives Act and Arms Act.
The three accused remain in custody as investigators continue to examine their alleged BKI connections and the role of the foreign-based handler.
The case also comes amid investigations into alleged foreign-based networks linked to BKI and attempts to carry out terror activities in northern India.
Police are now working to establish the full chain behind the Chandigarh recovery, including the source of the explosives, the intended target and whether the suspects had additional associates.