Gujarat ATS Arrests Key Accused in Interstate Grenade Smuggling Conspiracy
In a significant breakthrough against an interstate terror-linked network, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Banaskantha Special Operations Group (SOG) apprehended a key accused connected to a grenade smuggling and attack conspiracy in Punjab on Saturday, officials confirmed.
Accused Nabbed While Evading Arrest in Deesa
The arrested individual, identified as Bikramjit Singh, also known as Vicky, is a resident of Amritsar. He was captured in Deesa, where he had been working as a laborer at a roadside eatery to evade detection. The operation was initiated based on specific intelligence shared by Punjab Police regarding Singh's location.
Coordinated Operation Led by Gujarat ATS
Acting on the tip-off, Gujarat ATS, under the supervision of Superintendent of Police K Siddharth, formed a specialized team. This team was led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Harsh Upadhyay and included personnel from the Banaskantha SOG. They successfully tracked Singh to a dhaba in Deesa, detained him, and subsequently transported him to Ahmedabad for detailed interrogation.
Links to Pakistan-Based Handlers Revealed
During preliminary questioning by ATS officials, Singh disclosed his connections with Pakistan-based gangster Shehzad Bhatti and his associate Abid Jutt. Investigators stated that Bhatti is suspected of coordinating with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and has been orchestrating grenade attacks targeting police establishments, security units, and prominent individuals in Punjab.
Singh played a pivotal role in the network by recruiting local youths from Punjab and facilitating logistics for grenade supply and attacks, as per instructions from handlers operating from across the border. He had been absconding from Punjab and was using Gujarat as a hideout to avoid law enforcement detection.
Legal Framework and Further Investigation
The case is officially registered with the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) in Amritsar under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Explosive Substances Act, and Arms Act. Following his detention, Singh was handed over to SSOC Amritsar for further investigation and legal proceedings.
ATS officials emphasized that the probe is ongoing to identify other members of the network and trace the supply chain of explosives. This arrest marks a critical step in dismantling the terror infrastructure threatening regional security.
