In a significant development in the investigation of the Nalagarh Police Station blast case in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab Police has achieved a major breakthrough by uncovering and dismantling a dangerous narco-terror module with links to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)-backed Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror network. The operation led to the arrest of two key operatives, marking a crucial step in counter-terrorism efforts in the region.
Coordinated Operation Leads to Arrests
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav announced the successful operation on Thursday, highlighting that it was conducted in close coordination with Himachal Pradesh Police and various central agencies. This multi-agency collaboration proved instrumental in tracking down the suspects and gathering critical intelligence.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Shamsher Singh, who also goes by the aliases Sheru and Kamal, and Pardeep Singh, alias Deepu. Both are residents of Rahon in Nawanshahr district, Punjab. During the operation, police teams made a crucial recovery—an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was seized from their possession, providing tangible evidence of their involvement in terrorist activities.
Links to BKI Terror Network and Masterminds
According to DGP Gaurav Yadav, preliminary investigations have revealed that the arrested operatives were acting on the direct instructions of Shushant Chopra, a close associate of Gurpreet alias Gopi Nawanshahria and the BKI mastermind Harwinder Rinda. This connection underscores the module's integration into a larger, well-organized terror infrastructure with cross-border linkages.
The investigation has uncovered a detailed timeline of events. On December 31, 2025, the accused persons, along with two accomplices, transported the IED from Punjab to Himachal Pradesh. This device was subsequently used in the Nalagarh Police Station blast on January 1, 2026, as part of a broader conspiracy specifically targeting police establishments to destabilize law and order.
Investigation Origins and Legal Actions
Nawanshahr Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tushar Gupta provided further insights, noting that the accused were initially identified during the investigation of an FIR registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Police Station Rahon. Their involvement in acting on Shushant Chopra's directions came to light during this probe.
Based on disclosures made by the arrested individuals and subsequent follow-up actions, police were able to recover one IED from a location pinpointed by the accused. This recovery further corroborated their active participation in the terror conspiracy. SSP Gupta added that police teams have identified the two accomplices of the arrested accused, and intensive raids are currently underway to apprehend them.
In response to these findings, a separate FIR was registered at Rahon police station on Thursday. The case has been filed under stringent sections of the Arms Act, the Explosives Substances Act, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), reflecting the serious nature of the charges and the comprehensive legal approach being taken.
This operation highlights the ongoing efforts by security forces to combat narco-terrorism and dismantle networks that threaten national security. The recovery of the IED and the arrests serve as a reminder of the persistent challenges posed by cross-border terror modules and the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing them effectively.
