Amritsar, September 1: In a joint operation to ensure Punjab’s safety, Counter Intelligence (CI) Pathankot, CI Ludhiana, and the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) Amritsar have foiled a terror plot supported by Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and arrested two operatives, Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said on Monday.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Sarwan Kumar of village Mallian and Balwinder Singh of Jakaria, both in Gurdaspur. During searches, police recovered a .30 bore Star Mark pistol, an Arges hand grenade, and three live cartridges.
The operation follows a tip-off and comes less than a week after CI Pathankot prevented a separate target-killing attempt involving four suspects, including two minors, during which two .30 bore Star Mark pistols were recovered.
“Preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused were acting on instructions from foreign handlers supported by Babbar Khalsa International. They were introduced to these handlers through an intermediary,” DGP Yadav said.
AIG CI Pathankot Sukhminder Singh Mann added that the accused were provided explosives and funds to conduct reconnaissance on various security agencies and plan attacks. “The accused were contacting their handlers using encrypted apps and virtual phone numbers,” he said.
Authorities said the arrests underline Punjab Police’s continued vigilance in dismantling terrorist networks and safeguarding the state as directed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
