2 ISI-backed pro-Khalistan terror modules busted in Punjab, 13 held

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Police has nabbed 13 alleged members of two major ISI-backed Khalistani terror modules that were being run from abroad and seized two rocketpropelled grenades, two hand grenades, IEDs and RDX along with other munitions, an officer said on Saturday.

These modules were being controlled by proscribed terrorist outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) from abroad through France-based Satnam Singh alias Satta and Greece-based Jaswinder alias Mannu Agwan, DGP Gaurav Yadav said. Officials said more arrests are likely in the coming days.

With this, Punjab Police has foiled a conspiracy masterminded by Pakistan's spy agency, ISI, to disturb peace and harmony in the border state, DGP said.

Counter Intelligence (CI) Jalandhar and district police Batala dismantled the modules in 2 separate operations and 13 accused, including a minor were held, the officials said.

The DGP said police seized two rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) including a launcher, two IEDs (2.5kg each), two hand grenades with detonators, 2kg RDX with remote control, five pistols (Beretta and Glock), six magazines, 44 live cartridges, one wireless set and three vehicles.

Sharing operation details, assistant inspector general, CI Jalandhar, Navjot Singh Mahal said in an intel-based operation, police teams arrested Jagroop Singh of Basti Amritsarian in Hoshiarpur, Jatinder Singh alias Honey of Daburji in Kapurthala, Harpreet Singh of Hoshiarpur and Jagjeet Singh of Kapurthala, and recovered arms and explosives from their possession.

Preliminary probe revealed the accused were working on the instructions of Satnam Satta. Further investigation is being conducted to unearth the network and previous crimes, he said. About the second module, SSP Batala Suhail Qasim Mir said in a week-long intelligence-led operation, police teams apprehended nine people including a 17-year-old.

Two separate FIRs have been registered under the UAPA and the Explosives Act.