Three men from Punjab have been arrested in connection with the recovery of an improvised explosive device (IED) in Chandigarh, police said on Monday. The suspects were allegedly linked to the recovery of a suspicious bag from a forested area behind the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) in Sector 43. The IED was reportedly concealed inside a tiffin box placed within the bag, prompting a security response and investigation into how the explosive material reached the area.

According to police, the recovery included around five kilograms of gelatin stick explosives, a detonator, a power source and a remotely operated system. A pistol, one magazine and five live cartridges were also reportedly found in the same bag. The discovery was made on Sunday, and authorities subsequently launched an investigation to identify those responsible and determine the intended purpose of the explosive device.

The arrest of the three Punjab-based suspects marks a significant development in the case. Investigators are now examining their alleged connection to the recovered explosives and weapons, while also trying to establish whether the IED was intended for a specific target. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses and police gather more information about the suspects, the source of the explosives and the circumstances surrounding the recovery.