In a significant counter-terrorism success, the Counter Intelligence (CI) unit of Jalandhar, in coordination with Jalandhar Rural Police, dismantled an ISI-backed Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror module and arrested its key operative, officials said on Sunday. The operation prevented what authorities described as a planned high-impact attack aimed at disrupting public peace.
Operative and Recovery Details
The arrested individual has been identified as Satbir Singh, a resident of Padiana village in Adampur, Jalandhar. Police apprehended him while he was riding a black Platina motorcycle (registration number PB-08-ET-6736). A search led to the recovery of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) containing 1.3 kilograms of high explosive, along with shrapnel and ball bearings, indicating a design to cause maximum casualties.
Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav stated, “This swift and timely action has successfully averted a major terror threat and safeguarded innocent lives.” He added that the module was operating under the direction of foreign-based handlers linked to the ISI, Pakistan’s intelligence agency.
Operation Based on Intelligence
According to the DGP, the CI Jalandhar unit received credible intelligence that an operative from the BKI module had retrieved a consignment of explosives on instructions from his overseas handlers. Acting on this tip-off, teams from CI Jalandhar and Jalandhar Rural Police set up a naka (checkpoint) at Dhandaur village. They intercepted Satbir Singh and recovered the bag containing the IED.
“Further investigations are underway to establish both forward and backward linkages in the case and dismantle the entire terror network, including foreign handlers and local support networks allegedly involved in the conspiracy,” DGP Yadav said.
Legal Proceedings
An FIR has been registered against the accused at Patara Police Station in Jalandhar under Sections 113(1) and 113(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Sections 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act, and Section 25(1B)(a) of the Arms Act. Police are also probing possible criminal antecedents of the accused and any prior involvement in similar activities.
The operation highlights the persistent threat of cross-border terrorism in Punjab and the vigilance of state police forces in preempting attacks. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and have urged citizens to remain alert and report any suspicious activities.
