Punjab Police Uncovers Terror Module Linked to Babbar Khalsa International
Major Anti-Terror Operation in Punjab
On Thursday, Punjab Police announced a significant breakthrough in their anti-terrorism efforts, revealing the dismantling of a terrorist module associated with Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). This group is reportedly backed by the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and has suspected ties to extremist networks, including ISIS. Two individuals have been apprehended in connection with this case. The operation was a collaborative effort involving the Amritsar Rural Police, Gurudaspur Police, and the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) in coordination with central agencies. Authorities expressed concerns about the module being operated by a foreign handler, raising alarms about cross-border coordination and support. Police Chief Gaurav Yadav emphasized the operation's success, highlighting the seriousness and extent of the threat.
Yadav stated that in a significant achievement, the joint operation led by the Amritsar Rural District, Gurudaspur District, and SSOC-Amritsar, in collaboration with central agencies, successfully dismantled the ISI-sponsored BKI terrorist module, which was being managed by an overseas handler. The police recovered a substantial cache of weapons and explosive materials from the suspects. The seizure included five grenades, two specialized detonators, a push-to-talk (PTT) timer equipped with a coder and decoder, a 9V battery, and approximately one kilogram of high explosives filled with nails, indicating the potential for an improvised explosive device (IED). Additionally, a Baofeng walkie-talkie, cables, and a triggering mechanism were also confiscated.
A senior police official reported that the recovered materials, including five grenades, two specialized detonators, a PTT timer with coder and decoder, a 9V battery, IED components (one kilogram of high explosives filled with nails), cables, and a triggering mechanism, suggest preparations for large-scale attacks aimed at disrupting public peace. Officials indicated that the nature of the seized materials points to plans for significant assaults intended to undermine peace and stability in the region. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Explosive Substances Act at the Kalanour police station in Gurudaspur. Investigations are ongoing to trace the network's connections, including identifying foreign handlers and any local support systems.