Mohali: In a major breakthrough, the Punjab Police announced on Thursday that they had successfully thwarted a significant terror attack by apprehending two associates of a foreign-based terror operative and defusing a 2.5 kg RDX-based Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
IED Fully Assembled and Ready for Use
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav stated that the IED was “fully assembled and ready for use.” The police operation prevented an attack on critical public infrastructure in Mohali and averted a potentially catastrophic threat to public safety and security, the DGP added.
Suspects Identified
The suspects have been identified as Mani Singh, 32, a resident of Amritsar, and his brother-in-law Abhishek Kumar, 28, also from Amritsar. Preliminary investigations revealed that the duo had traveled from Amritsar to Mohali by bus, carrying the explosive device with them.
“Swift and timely action by police has foiled a nefarious plot aimed at targeting vital installations,” Yadav said, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing to uncover the entire terror network and identify the handlers behind the plot.
Operational Details
Sharing operational details, Inspector General of Police (IGP) for Counter-Intelligence, Ashish Choudhary, explained that teams from the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Mohali, acted on credible intelligence inputs and apprehended the two suspects near a park opposite YPS Chowk in Mohali. Subsequently, the bomb disposal squad safely neutralized the explosive device.
Link to Foreign Handler
Police investigations have revealed that Mani Singh recently came into contact with a foreign-based handler through a social media platform. He later introduced Abhishek Kumar to the same handler. The foreign-based operative offered monetary compensation in exchange for carrying out terror-related activities. Both suspects, facing financial difficulties, accepted the offer. Mani Singh hails from Gujjarpura in Amritsar, while Abhishek Kumar resides in Gillwali Gate.
Legal Action
A case has been registered at the Mohali SSOC police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 113(3) (terrorist act) and Section 61(2) (criminal conspiracy), along with provisions of the Explosive Substances Act. The police continue to investigate to dismantle the terror network and prevent any further threats.
