Punjab Police Foils Targeted Killing Plot Linked to Foreign Handlers

Punjab Police's Successful Operation

Chandigarh, Jan 7: In a significant operation driven by intelligence, the State Special Operation Cell of Punjab Police in Mohali, in collaboration with Ludhiana's Counter Intelligence, has arrested two individuals who were allegedly plotting a targeted assassination under the guidance of handlers based abroad, as stated by Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav on Wednesday.

Authorities recovered a 9 mm pistol along with five cartridges from the suspects based in Ludhiana.

Initial investigations indicate that the detained individuals were in communication with handlers located in the UK and Germany, associated with the Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) and linked to extremist ideologies.

According to the DGP, the accused had conducted reconnaissance of government and key offices in Ludhiana as part of their conspiracy.

They were also assigned to gather intelligence and perform groundwork on several identified targets.

A first information report (FIR) has been filed in Mohali, and further investigations are ongoing to trace connections.

Just a day prior, police thwarted another assassination attempt by arresting three individuals connected to the Arsh Dalla gang, seizing four illegal firearms, four magazines, and 26 cartridges. The suspects were identified as Kuldeep Singh from Gill Patti in Bathinda, currently residing in Canada; Gurwinder Singh from Kotshamir in Bathinda; and Gagandeep Singh from Bhokhra village in Bathinda.

The confiscated weapons included a Glock, a Zigana, a .30 bore pistol, and a .32 bore pistol.

DGP Yadav noted that preliminary investigations suggest the arrested individuals were preparing for a targeted killing.

Kuldeep Singh, one of the suspects, had recently returned from Canada to Bathinda specifically to carry out the planned attack.

Senior Superintendent of Police (Bathinda) Amneet Kondal reported that during questioning, the suspects admitted to being involved in an ongoing rivalry between gangs.

In a separate announcement, DGP Yadav revealed that the Anti-Gangster Task Force of Punjab Police has launched a toll-free helpline at 1800-330-1100, providing a "direct and confidential channel for citizens to report threats, extortion, and organized crime."