Punjab Police Uncover Terror Module Linked to ISI and Babbar Khalsa
In a significant breakthrough, Punjab Police announced the dismantling of a terror module linked to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). The operation culminated in the arrest of five individuals, including three minors, in a joint effort by Counter Intelligence Jalandhar and SBS Nagar Police, conducted across the Tonk and Jaipur districts of Rajasthan.
During the operation, one suspect sustained injuries following an exchange of gunfire with the police. The terror operatives were allegedly directed by their handlers to orchestrate grenade attacks in anticipation of India's Independence Day celebrations.
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav stated that the arrested individuals were part of a module covertly controlled by overseas handlers Mannu Agwan, Gopi Nawanshehria, and Zeeshan Akhtar, all of whom were operating under orders from Harwinder Singh alias Rinda, a BKI operative based in Pakistan.
The apprehended individuals include Ritik Naroliya, from Didawata village in Jaipur, Rajasthan; Sonu Kumar, also known as Kali, from Kala Sanghian village in Kapurthala; alongside three juveniles. Police recovered a hand grenade, a .30 bore pistol, two live cartridges, and two spent shells from the suspects.
This group was implicated in a grenade attack on a liquor store in SBS Nagar on August 7. Further, they were allegedly instructed to execute additional attacks leading up to Independence Day.
DGP Gaurav Yadav highlighted the significance of the operation, asserting that it successfully thwarted further planned attacks by this terror cell. Efforts are ongoing to uncover other potential connections linked to this case.
Assistant Inspector General Navjot Mahal recounted that during a subsequent recovery operation, Sonu Kumar attempted to fire upon police officers. Law enforcement responded in self-defense, resulting in Sonu sustaining a gunshot wound. He is currently receiving medical treatment at the Civil Hospital in SBS Nagar.