A suspicious cardboard box abandoned at a shop in Ludhiana’s Daresi area has led to the unravelling of a shocking conspiracy involving betrayal, rivalry, and a crude bomb assembled with the help of YouTube tutorials. Within 10 hours, Ludhiana Commissionerate Police cracked the case and arrested two men, including the complainant’s nephew, who allegedly plotted to torch his uncle’s shop over a personal and business dispute.
Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma said the accused has been identified as Sonu Kumar (19), nephew of shop owner Ajay Kumar, and his aide Mohd. Aamir (30). Sonu, originally from Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, now lives in Basti Jodhewal, while Aamir, from Saharanpur, resides on Jagirpur Road. According to police, the duo had meticulously planned the attack to take over Ajay’s business location.
The recovery from the site included seven polythene packets filled with 5–6 litres of petrol, a cardboard box, two batteries, a small motor, wires, a clock, and nearly 20 grams of a yellowish powder, which has been sent for forensic examination.
The case began on September 20 when a masked man entered Ajay’s bag shop in the evening. He selected a suitcase, paid ₹500 as an advance, and left behind a polythene-wrapped cardboard box, promising to return. He never did. On September 24, while closing the shop, Ajay noticed a strong smell of petrol from the box. He immediately informed his landlord and the market association president, who contacted the police. The suspicious package was safely removed, and an FIR was registered at Daresi Police Station.
Investigators soon traced the trail back to Sonu. During interrogation, he confessed to hatching the plan with Aamir. Sonu had earlier worked at his uncle’s shop but, after a fallout, started his own six months ago. Resentment and rivalry drove him to plot the attack. What startled police was his admission that he and Aamir had assembled the device after watching YouTube videos, procuring all materials from local markets.
Commissioner Sharma lauded the swift action of his teams, warning that such personal vendettas turning into criminal plots would not be tolerated. “This case is a reminder of how disputes can escalate dangerously. We urge citizens to report any suspicious activity without delay,” he said.
Both accused remain in custody, while forensic reports on the seized material are awaited. Police said further investigations are underway to establish if others were involved.