14 October 2026 (Navroze Bureau) Punjab Police have claimed a major breakthrough in the investigation into the improvised explosive device (IED) blast near Khasa Army Cantonment in Amritsar district. The Amritsar Rural Police have arrested three suspects in connection with the incident, which took place in May 2026. The development came after nearly five months of investigation and technical tracking.
According to Punjab Police, the arrested suspects have been identified as Ramandeep Singh, Jajpreet Singh and Arshdeep Singh, alias Kekra. All three are residents of the Attari area in Amritsar district. The police said the arrests helped them crack the case involving the explosion near the cantonment’s boundary wall.
IED Blast Took Place on May 5
The explosion occurred at approximately 11 pm on May 5, 2026, near the wall of Khasa Army Cantonment. The incident raised security concerns because it involved an explosion close to an important military installation in the border region of Punjab.
No casualties or injuries were reported in the blast, according to reports. However, the incident prompted an investigation to determine how the explosive device had been placed and who was responsible.
Following the incident, a case was registered at Gharinda police station under relevant provisions of the Explosive Substances Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Investigators began examining the circumstances surrounding the explosion and gathering information to identify those involved.
Special Investigation Team Formed
To investigate the case, Amritsar Rural Senior Superintendent of Police Kanwalpreet Singh Chahal constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The team included senior police officers responsible for investigation, operations, detective work and the Attari area.
The investigation involved technical tracking and the examination of information collected during the probe. According to police officials, teams led by Crime Investigation Agency in-charge Inspector Manmeet Singh and Gharinda Station House Officer Inspector Amandeep Singh played a role in apprehending the suspects.
Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the arrests represented progress in the investigation. The police are continuing efforts to establish the complete sequence of events and determine whether additional individuals were involved.
Three Suspects Identified
The three arrested suspects have been identified as Ramandeep Singh, Jajpreet Singh and Arshdeep Singh, alias Kekra. Police said all three belong to the Attari area of Amritsar district.
Investigators are examining the alleged roles of the suspects in the blast and how the explosive device reached the location near the cantonment. Further investigation is expected to focus on identifying any additional suspects and establishing possible links with people who may have supplied or transported the explosives.
The police have not yet completed their investigation, and the allegations against the accused will have to be established through the legal process.
Separate Arms and Explosives Network Busted
Alongside the Khasa blast investigation, Punjab Police announced action against a separate alleged arms and explosives supply network in Amritsar. Officials said the network was suspected of having links with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and foreign-based smugglers.
Three other suspects were arrested in this separate case. They were identified as Navdeep Singh, Samuel, alias Samu, and Sandeep Singh, alias Tiddi, according to the police announcement.
During the operation, police recovered a hand grenade, a 9mm pistol and five live cartridges. Investigators said the operation was based on intelligence inputs concerning an alleged conspiracy to target police establishments.
The three arrests in the arms recovery case are separate from the three arrests linked to the Khasa Army Cantonment blast. Police reported a total of six arrests across the two interlinked investigations.
Police Investigating Possible Cross-Border Links
Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said preliminary investigations had indicated alleged links between the arms and explosives network, foreign-based smugglers and ISI operatives. Authorities are investigating these suspected connections to identify the network’s wider operations and possible associates.
The police are also examining whether additional individuals were involved in the alleged supply of weapons and explosives. The investigation aims to establish the source of the recovered materials and determine whether further action is required.
These suspected links remain part of the ongoing investigation, and the allegations will need to be supported by evidence.
Investigation Continues
The arrests mark a significant development in the Khasa Army Cantonment blast investigation, which remained unresolved for several months after the May incident. The police have said that technical tracking and sustained investigative work helped them identify and apprehend the three suspects.
Meanwhile, the separate arms and explosives case has prompted further efforts to trace suspected suppliers and identify any additional individuals who may have been involved in the alleged conspiracy to target police establishments.
Authorities are continuing to investigate both cases. Further details are expected as the police examine the evidence, question the accused and work to establish the full extent of the suspected networks.
The cases highlight the security challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in Punjab’s border districts. Police have stated that their investigation will continue until the remaining questions surrounding the incidents and the alleged networks are addressed.