In a significant counter-terrorism operation, Punjab Police apprehended two associates of a foreign-based terror operative from Mohali on Thursday. The operation, conducted by the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) of SAS Nagar, led to the recovery of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), effectively foiling a plot aimed at targeting critical public infrastructure in the area.
Details of the Operation
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav announced the breakthrough on social media, stating that the arrests were a major success against cross-border terror networks. The SSOC team acted on intelligence inputs to intercept the suspects before they could execute their plan. The recovered IED was assembled and ready for use, highlighting the imminent threat.
Significance of the Arrests
This operation has averted a potentially catastrophic threat to public safety and security in SAS Nagar (Mohali), a rapidly developing urban center. The DGP emphasized that investigations are ongoing to uncover the entire terror network, including handlers, associates, and all linkages involved in the conspiracy. The police are working to trace the source of the explosives and the foreign handler directing the operatives.
Official Statements
In a post on X, DGP Yadav wrote: "In a major breakthrough against cross-border terror networks, State Special Operations Cell (#SSOC), SAS Nagar, apprehends two associates of a foreign-based terror operative from #Mohali. The operation led to the recovery of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), resulting in the foiling of a plot aimed at targeting critical public infrastructure in SAS Nagar." He further added that further investigations are underway to dismantle the entire network.
Broader Context
This arrest comes amid heightened vigilance by security agencies across Punjab, which has been a focal point for cross-border terrorism. The state has witnessed several attempts by foreign-based handlers to recruit local operatives for attacks on public infrastructure. The SSOC, established to tackle such threats, has been instrumental in multiple successful operations in recent months.
The police have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The identity of the arrested individuals has not been disclosed pending further investigation. The recovery of the IED underscores the importance of intelligence-led policing in preventing terror attacks.
