The Ludhiana Commissionerate Police solved a case involving an improvised explosive device (IED) recovered from the Daresi area, arresting two individuals within 10 hours, including the complainant’s nephew, who allegedly planned to burn down the latter’s shop due to personal and business rivalry.
The accused have been identified as Sonu Kumar (19), nephew of the complainant and a resident of Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, currently residing at Basti Jodhewal, Ludhiana; and Mohd. Aamir (30), originally from Chapur, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, now living on Jagirpur Road, Ludhiana.
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).
At a press conference held today (Thursday, September 25th) Police Commissioner Ludhiana, IPS 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, selected a suitcase, paid Rs 500 as an advance, and asked Ajay to hold a cardboard box wrapped in polythene, saying 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 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 wires were found disconnected and the clock non-functional. Based on Ajay’s statement, an FIR was registered at Daresi Police Station.
CP Sharma said special teams were deployed to track the suspects, leading to the arrests 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. Police said further interrogations are underway to uncover additional details.
Commissioner Sharma commended the swift action of the police teams and said the Commissionerate Police would not tolerate anyone taking the law into their own hands. “This incident underscores our commitment to maintaining law and order in Ludhiana,” he said, urging 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.
