Daijiworld Media Network - Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Aug 16: Amritsar Rural Police has foiled an alleged terror plot targeting a police establishment with the recovery of an improvised explosive device (IED) weighing 690 grams, along with an electronic detonator, battery, timer and iron box, Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said on Sunday.

The explosive material was found in a wax-wrapped packet during night patrolling in the jurisdiction of Gaggomahal police post on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday.

DGP Yadav said the recovery had averted a potential threat to public safety and described it as a major breakthrough.

"The Amritsar Rural Police has foiled a design of anti-national elements and averted a potential threat to public safety," he said.

Following the seizure, the explosive material was handled in accordance with established security protocols and defused by the bomb disposal squad.

The DGP said further investigation was underway to identify and apprehend those behind the alleged plot.

Sharing operational details, Amritsar-Rural Senior Superintendent of Police Kanwalpreet Singh Chahal said security checks had already been intensified and government establishments were being closely monitored.

He said Assistant Sub-Inspector Kulbir Singh was conducting night patrol when he noticed a suspicious black-coloured packet wrapped in wax lying within the jurisdiction of Gaggomahal police post.

On examination, the packet was found to contain a suspected IED along with an electronic detonator, battery, timer and iron box.

The bomb disposal squad was subsequently called to the spot. The explosive material was safely destroyed at the site, while the remaining items were taken into police custody, the SSP said.

A first information report dated August 16 has been registered at Ramdas Police Station in Amritsar-Rural under Sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act.

Police are continuing their investigation to establish the origin of the explosive material and identify those responsible for the alleged terror plot.