Chandigarh, May 10 -- The Chandigarh Police on Thursday foiled a major terror plot after recovering a 2 kg improvised explosive device (IED), suspected to be RDX, from two operatives of the dreaded Happy Passia terror module. According to police, the explosive material was potent enough to destroy a large building or commercial hub - "big enough to blow up a mall," a senior officer said. The accused - Joban Jit Singh, alias Billa, 24, and Sumandeep, alias Simma, 25, - who were nabbed near Sector 39 by the crime branch on Thursday, were reportedly awaiting strike orders from their handlers based abroad. When the police signalled them to stop, the suspects allegedly cocked their pistols, attempting to open fire. The police team overpowered and disarmed them before any harm could be done. The seizure from the duo included a 2 kg IED fitted with two electronic circuits, power cells and a remote control device, two country-made pistols (.32 and .30 bore) and nine live cartridges. The explosive device is currently being examined by bomb disposal experts, though preliminary findings indicate it contains RDX or a similar high-intensity material. The operation has exposed direct links between the arrested and notorious gangsters-turned-terror operatives Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passia and Manu Agwan. Investigations revealed that the duo was in contact with the handlers through social media platforms, including WhatsApp and Snapchat. They had received Rs.50,000 from Happy Passia, reportedly for logistical support and preparation for a future strike. Notably, the arrested accused were allegedly not informed about the specific target but were told to be "Ready to act" at short notice. "They had been moved inside the city from the border areas due to heightened security presence presently at the border," said a police officer. "Chandigarh Police was already vigilant as there had been prior threats of attack on police stations. Proper checking was underway after the treats. However, it's possible this was part of that larger plan," the official added. Joban Jit Singh, alias, Billa,of Hardoh Putli, Amritsar, is a known criminal. He was recently wanted in rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attack on Qila Lal Singh police station in Gurdaspur. He was involved in a firing incident at Vishal Jewellers, Amritsar, alongside Harwinder, alias Harry. Sumandeep, alias Simma, is a native of Chahla Kalan village, Gurdaspur. Sumandeep too has a criminal track record, including firing incident on a liquor vendor, alongside Joban Jit Singh. Investigations have revealed that the two arrested individuals were part of a well-organised terror module being operated remotely by gangsters based abroad, including Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passia, and Manu Agwan. Both accused were introduced to this network by a man named Harwant, alias Harry, who is believed to be a close associate of the gang. Harry was in constant communication with a Malaysia-based operative Maninder Singh, alias Billa. Maninder is a key intermediary who connects ground-level operatives in India with gang leaders operating from foreign countries. Through Maninder, Harry was able to establish direct contact with Happy Passia and Manu Agwan. Harry then introduced Joban Jit and Sumandeep to Manu Agwan, thus integrating them into the broader network. Communication among all parties-Harry, Maninder, Manu Agwan, Happy Passia and the operatives-was primarily conducted through encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp and Snapchat to avoid detection by law enforcement. Once connected, the gang leaders would assign tasks to the operatives and share precise GPS coordinates of locations where weapons, explosives, or cash had been hidden-a technique known as "dead drop" delivery. The operatives would then retrieve these items and wait for further instructions....