Ludhiana, Nov. 2 -- The Ludhiana Police have invoked the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the recovery of a live Chinese-made hand grenade in the city, after the investigation indicated possible links to foreign-based handlers. The move marks escalation in the probe, which officials now describe as a matter of national security.

The development came shortly after police produced Vijay, a relative of one of the suspects believed to be abroad, in court for questioning. Vijay was brought from Sri Ganganagar jail to Ludhiana as part of the expanding investigation into what police allege was a planned attempt to disturb public peace.

According to officials, the case began on Tuesday (October 28) when a...