Gujarat ATS Arrests Key Accused in Interstate Grenade Smuggling Network
In a significant breakthrough against an interstate terror-linked network, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Banaskantha Special Operations Group (SOG) arrested a key accused on Saturday. The individual is linked to a grenade smuggling and attack conspiracy in Punjab, as confirmed by officials.
Details of the Arrest and Accused
The accused has been identified as Bikramjit Singh, also known as Vicky, a resident of Amritsar. He was apprehended from Deesa, where he was working as a labourer at a roadside eatery while evading arrest. This operation was initiated based on specific intelligence shared by Punjab Police regarding Singh's whereabouts.
Operation and Investigation
Acting on the intelligence, Gujarat ATS, under the supervision of SP K Siddharth, formed a dedicated team led by DySP Harsh Upadhyay, in collaboration with Banaskantha SOG personnel. The team successfully tracked Singh to a dhaba in Deesa, detained him, and subsequently brought him to Ahmedabad for interrogation.
During preliminary questioning by ATS officials, Singh revealed his connections with Pakistan-based gangster Shehzad Bhatti and his associate Abid Jutt. Investigators stated that gangster Shehzad Bhatti is believed to be working in coordination with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He has been orchestrating grenade attacks targeting police establishments, security units, and prominent individuals in Punjab.
Role in the Network and Legal Proceedings
Officials emphasized that Singh played a crucial role in the network by recruiting local youths from Punjab and facilitating logistics for grenade supply and attacks. These activities were carried out as per instructions received from handlers operating from across the border. Singh had been absconding from Punjab and was using Gujarat as a hideout to avoid detection.
The case is 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 action.
Ongoing Probe and Future Steps
ATS officials have indicated that further investigation is underway to identify other members of the network and trace the supply chain of explosives. This arrest marks a critical step in dismantling the interstate terror-linked operations and enhancing security measures.
