Ludhiana Police busts IED case, two arrested, including complainant’s Nephew

Ludhiana, September 25, 2025: The Ludhiana Commissionerate Police have solved a case involving an improvised explosive device (IED) recovered from the Daresi area, arresting two individuals, including the nephew of the complainant, who allegedly planned to burn down the latter’s shop due to a personal and business rivalry, within 10-hours.

The accused have been identified as Sonu Kumar (19), nephew of the complainant and a resident of Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, currently resides at Basti Jodhewal, Ludhiana, and Mohd. Aamir (30), originally from Chapur, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, now lives on Jagirpur Road, Ludhiana. 

The police recovered approximately 5-6 liters of petrol in seven packets, a cardboard box, two battery cells, a small clock, a small motor, wires, and 15-20 grams of a light yellowish powder (pending forensic analysis).

During a press conference, Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma, alongside Ajay Kumar, owner of Ajay Bag House, detailed the incident. On September 20, 2025, at around 6:30-7:00 PM, an unidentified individual wearing a surgical mask visited Ajay’s shop in the Daresi area. The individual selected a suitcase, paid Rs 500 as an advance, and asked Ajay to hold a cardboard box wrapped in polythene, claiming he would return to collect both items. The suspect did not return. On September 24, 2025, at approximately 10:00 PM, while closing his shop, Ajay noticed a foul smell of petrol emanating from the box. He alerted the shop’s landlord and the market association president, who informed the police. The box was safely removed, and upon inspection, the police found that the wires were disconnected and the clock was non-functional. Based on Ajay’s statement, an FIR was registered at Daresi Police Station. 

Commissioner Sharma revealed that special teams were deployed to track the suspects, leading to the arrest of Sonu Kumar and Mohd. Aamir. During preliminary interrogation, Sonu admitted to a monetary dispute with his uncle, Ajay. Sonu had previously worked at Ajay’s bag shop but opened his own shop six months ago after their falling out. Motivated by rivalry, Sonu allegedly conspired with Aamir to destroy Ajay’s shop by setting it on fire, with plans to take over the location for his own business.

The duo reportedly learned to make a petrol bomb by watching YouTube tutorials. They purchased materials, including petrol, batteries, potash, a clock, and wires, from local markets and assembled the IED at Aamir’s residence. The police are conducting further interrogations to uncover additional details.

Commissioner Sharma commended the swift action of the police teams and emphasized that the Commissionerate Police will not tolerate anyone taking the law into their own hands. 

“This incident underscores our commitment to maintaining law and order in Ludhiana. He also urged citizens to report suspicious activities promptly. 

The investigation is ongoing, with forensic analysis of the recovered materials underway to determine the full extent of the plot.