- Three suspected Babbar Khalsa International operatives were arrested in Chandigarh with explosives
- The suspects possessed gelatin sticks, detonator, triggering system, pistol, and live cartridges
- They allegedly acted under directions of foreign-based handler Satnam alias Satta Naushera
Three suspected operatives linked to the banned terror group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) were arrested, police said on Monday, with around 5 kilograms of gelatin stick explosives, a detonator, a remotely operated triggering system, a pistol, a magazine and five live cartridges.
Police said the preliminary investigation indicates that the three suspects had allegedly come in contact with Satnam alias Satta Naushera, a foreign-based handler allegedly associated with BKI. Investigators suspect that the accused were acting on his directions and had allegedly planned to plant an improvised explosive device (IED) in Chandigarh with the intention of creating terror.
The arrests were made on August 22, 2026, after specific intelligence inputs about the movement of suspected BKI operatives in Chandigarh. A case was registered under Sections 4(b) and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act at Police Station 36.
The suspects have been identified as Lovepreet Singh, 19, of Sarhali village in Tarn Taran district; Jashanpreet Singh alias Jashandeep, 21, of Deobath village in Tarn Taran; and Prabhpreet Singh alias Prabh, 19, of Tarsikka village in Amritsar district.
Investigators are probing the source of the explosives, the intended target and the possible involvement of other members of the alleged network.
Police are also working to establish the extent of the accused persons' alleged links with the foreign-based handler and determine whether they were part of a larger conspiracy to carry out a terror-related attack in Chandigarh.
The explosive material, triggering components and weapons have been taken into police possession.
Chandigarh Police said further investigation is underway and maintained that firm action will be taken against any attempt to disturb peace and public order in the city.
