Major Counter-Terror Operation in Punjab Leads to Dismantling of ISI-Backed Module
In a significant development for national security, the Punjab Police announced on Thursday the successful busting of a terror module linked to the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) with alleged backing from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The operation, described as a major counter-terror effort, involved a coordinated joint team comprising the Amritsar rural police, Gurdaspur police, the state special operations cell (SSOC) based in Amritsar, and central intelligence agencies.
Arrests and Seizures in the Operation
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav confirmed that two individuals have been apprehended in connection with the module. During the operation, authorities recovered a substantial cache of arms and explosives from the accused, highlighting the severity of the threat.
The seized items include:
- Five hand grenades
- Two special detonators
- A push-to-talk (PTT) timer equipped with coder and decoder
- A 9-volt battery
- An improvised explosive device (IED) containing approximately 1 kilogram of explosives packed with nails
- A Baofeng walkie-talkie, along with a cable and trigger mechanism
This arsenal indicates a sophisticated and dangerous plot, with the nature of the recoveries suggesting the accused were at an advanced stage of planning attacks. Sources close to the investigation revealed that the intended attacks were aimed at causing maximum damage and disrupting public order, underscoring the critical nature of this intervention.
Investigation and Foreign Links
Preliminary investigations point to a foreign-based handler with alleged connections to Pakistan's ISI, raising concerns about cross-border terrorism. The case has been officially registered at the Kalanaur police station in Gurdaspur under relevant provisions of the Explosive Substances Act.
Investigators are now intensively working to establish the module's forward and backward linkages. This includes probing local support networks and the precise role of foreign handlers in orchestrating the plot. The operation marks a crucial step in countering terror threats in the region, with authorities emphasizing the importance of vigilance and continued cooperation between state and central agencies.
