Chandigarh: A major breakthrough has emerged in the ongoing investigation into the recent recovery of an Improvised Explosive Device and weapons in Chandigarh. According to top sources within the local police force, the three arrested suspects were directly linked to Satnam Satta Naushera, an alleged Khalistani operative hiding in Pakistan, and were operating entirely under his instructions. Initial inquiries indicate that acting on directions from handlers across the border, these individuals were laying the groundwork to execute a major violent strike across Punjab and Chandigarh.
Suspects Hail From Tarn Taran and Amritsar
According to police intelligence, out of the three apprehended individuals, two hail from the Tarn Taran district of Punjab while the third is a resident of Amritsar. Law enforcement authorities recovered a substantial cache from their possession, including nearly five kilograms of gelatin sticks, detonators, a power source, wiring, and various other electronic components. Additionally, the operation led to the recovery of firearms and live ammunition.
Possible Ties to Babbar Khalsa International and ISI
Intelligence and security agencies are currently probing the origin of the recovered explosives and weaponry alongside mapping the wider network of the accused. Preliminary findings suggest that the suspects procured the explosive material at the behest of their overseas handler. Furthermore, authorities suspect that the banned terrorist organization Babbar Khalsa International may be behind this conspiracy, operating under the directions of Pakistan's intelligence agency, the ISI.
Unraveling the Mystery Behind the Bus Stand Hideout
Investigators are also examining why the explosive devices were concealed behind the Inter-State Bus Terminus in Sector 43 of Chandigarh. Initial findings suggest that the suspects' immediate intention may not have been to trigger a blast at this specific bus terminal, leaving police to piece together their actual target and the purpose behind caching the materials there.
Sunday's Crackdown and Arrests
To recap, Chandigarh Police on Sunday recovered the IED and other tactical equipment concealed inside a tiffin box within a bag behind the Sector 43 ISBT, detaining three suspects in the process. Acting swiftly, law enforcement took the three suspects into custody and registered an official First Information Report at the Sector 36 police station. Interrogation of the accused is currently underway to dismantle their active support network.
