3 Suspected BKI Operatives Held in Chandigarh; Explosives, Firearms Seized

Chandigarh Police have arrested three suspected operatives of the banned terror group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) after recovering around five kilograms of gelatin stick explosives, a detonator, a remote triggering system, a pistol, a magazine and five live cartridges from their possession.

The arrests were made on August 22, 2026, following specific intelligence inputs about the movement of suspected BKI operatives in the city. A case has been 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.

According to the police, preliminary investigation indicates that the three accused had allegedly come in contact with Satnam alias Satta Naushera, a foreign-based handler purportedly linked to 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.

Babbar Khalsa International is a pro-Khalistan militant organisation that has been banned by the Government of India. It has been involved in several acts of terrorism and violence in the past. The recovery of explosives and weapons in a city like Chandigarh, which serves as the capital of Punjab and Haryana, has prompted heightened security measures in the region.

The police are now investigating the source of the explosives, the intended target, and the possible involvement of other members of the alleged network. They are also working to establish the extent of the accused persons' 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.

This operation highlights the continued vigilance of law enforcement agencies in tackling threats from banned organisations. Authorities have urged citizens to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the police.