Punjab Police Dismantles BKI-Linked Extortion Network in Major Security Operation
In a significant breakthrough against organized crime, Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav revealed on Tuesday that the Counter Intelligence (CI) unit in Jalandhar has successfully dismantled a dangerous module with ties to the banned terrorist organization Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). The operation led to the arrest of two key operatives allegedly involved in firing incidents connected to extortion rackets across the region.
Arrests and Weapon Recovery Mark Critical Blow to Criminal Network
The police action resulted in the apprehension of Sukhwinder Singh, also known as Sunny, and Rawal, both residents of Kulam village in Nawanshahr district. During the arrest, which took place on the busy Jalandhar-Amritsar Highway, authorities seized crucial evidence including one .32 bore pistol, multiple magazines, and eight live cartridges from the possession of the accused. This recovery underscores the operational capabilities of the module and the immediate threat it posed to public safety.
Foreign-Based Handlers Directed Extortion Activities, Says DGP
According to DGP Gaurav Yadav, preliminary investigations have uncovered that the arrested individuals were acting under explicit instructions from foreign-based handlers identified as Gopi Nawashehria, Jassi Kulam, and Sushant Chopra, all of whom are reportedly associated with the Babbar Khalsa International. The probe indicates that this network was orchestrating criminal activities from abroad, highlighting the transnational nature of the threat.
Specific Incidents Linked to Extortion Demands
The DGP detailed that the module was involved in at least two firing incidents aimed at intimidating victims into paying extortion money. One notable case involved shots being fired at the residence of a travel agent in the Garhshankar area, a tactic used to coerce the victim into complying with financial demands. These acts of violence were part of a broader pattern of intimidation designed to extract money from local businesses and individuals.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigations
The CI Jalandhar teams executed a coordinated operation to track and arrest the accused, demonstrating effective intelligence-gathering and swift action. DGP Yadav emphasized that this bust is a testament to the Punjab Police's commitment to curbing organized crime and terrorism-linked activities in the state. Further investigations are underway to uncover the full extent of the module's operations, identify additional accomplices, and gather evidence against the foreign handlers.
This development comes amid heightened security concerns in Punjab, with authorities ramping up efforts to combat extortion networks and terrorist affiliations. The arrest of these operatives is expected to disrupt the activities of the BKI-backed module and provide leads into other criminal enterprises operating in the region.
