Officials said a foreign-based handler ran the module, raising cross-border concerns. Top police officials called the operation a “major breakthrough,” underscoring its seriousness.
In a major counter-terror operation, the Punjab Police on Thursday announced that it had busted a terror module linked to Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), allegedly backed by Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and with suspected links to extremist networks including ISIS. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the case.
The joint operation was carried out by teams from Amritsar Rural Police, Gurdaspur Police, and the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar, in coordination with central agencies.
According to officials, the module was being operated by a foreign-based handler, raising concerns about cross-border coordination and support.
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav described the operation as a “major breakthrough,” highlighting the scale and seriousness of the threat.
“In a major breakthrough, District Amritsar Rural, District Gurdaspur, SSOC-Amritsar, in a joint operation with Central Agencies, busts an ISI-sponsored BKI terror module operated by a foreign-based handler and arrests two accused,” Yadav said.
Police recovered a significant cache of arms and explosive materials from the accused. The seizure included five hand grenades, two special detonators, a push-to-talk (PTT) timer equipped with coder and decoder, a 9V battery, and approximately 1 kg of high explosive material packed with nails, indicative of an improvised explosive device (IED).
Additionally, a Baofeng walkie-talkie along with a cable and trigger mechanisms was recovered.
“Significant recoveries include: 5 hand grenades, 2 special detonators, a PTT timer with coder & decoder, 9V battery, IED material (1 kg high explosive packed with nails), 1 Baofeng walkie-talkie with cable & trigger mechanism indicating preparations for high-impact attacks aimed at disturbing public peace,” the senior cop said.
Officials stated that the nature of the materials recovered suggests the suspects were planning high-impact attacks intended to disrupt peace and stability in the region.
The case has been registered at Kalanaur police station in Gurdaspur under relevant provisions of the Explosive Substances Act.
Further investigations are underway to trace the network’s forward and backward linkages, including identifying foreign handlers and any local support systems.
Authorities are also probing potential connections with other extremist outfits to assess the broader security implications.
The major anti-terror operation comes just days after a grenade attack took place outside the Punjab BJP office in Chandigarh, which was claimed by a Khalistani terrorist Sukhjinder Singh Babbar.
