Foiling a major terror plot, Chandigarh police caught three persons with a suspected improvised explosive device (IED), explosive materials and a firearm near inter-state bus terminus in Sector 43, Chandigarh, on Sunday evening.
The initial probe revealed that the trio had links with Pakistan-based Khalistani terrorist Satnam Satta alias Nau Shera, according to information. The recoveries included gelatin sticks, detonators, wires, a power source and other electronic components, used in preparing an explosive device. A pistol and five cartridges were also seized. Police suspect the three men had been collecting explosives and other material as part of a larger terror conspiracy. It is not yet clear whether the suspects were preparing to execute an attack in Punjab, Chandigarh or some other place. They also asked residents to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or police control room.
Following the recovery, an FIR was registered at Sector 36 police station under relevant provisions of the Explosives Act and Arms Act. “In a major operation, the police recovered suspicious items from behind the Sector-43 bus stand in Chandigarh.
Two of the accused are from Tarn Taran while one is from Amritsar, according to the police. They were caught during a check in the area, police said. Chandigarh Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the case…Security arrangements at the site have been tightened, and investigative agencies are examining the recovered items,” said the UT police in a statement. Police said the recovery was being treated seriously but appealed to residents not to panic.
