Punjab Police bust ISI-backed BKI modules, 13 held

New Delhi: Punjab Police on Saturday said it had foiled a major attempt to disrupt peace in the state by busting two separate ISI-backed terror modules operated by Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). In a significant breakthrough, police arrested 13 individuals, including a minor, and seized a large cache of weapons and explosives-two rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), including a launcher, two IEDs, hand grenades, RDX, and sophisticated firearms.

Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said the modules were unearthed in two intelligence-led operations by the Counter Intelligence (CI) unit in Jalandhar and the District Police in Batala. "These terror modules, sponsored by Pakistan-based ISI, were being remotely controlled by BKI operatives Satnam Singh alias Satta from France and Jaswinder Singh alias Mannu Agwan from Greece," he said.

Satnam Singh, the DGP added, has a history of involvement in terror-related cases, including a 2010 IED and RDX recovery incident.

Apart from RPGs, police recovered two 2.5 kg IEDs, two hand grenades with detonators, 2 kg of RDX with a remote-control device, five pistols including Beretta and Glock models, six magazines, 44 cartridges, and a wireless communication set. Three vehicles used by the suspects were also impounded.

In the first operation, AIG CI Jalandhar Navjot Singh Mahal said the team arrested Jagroop Singh (Hoshiarpur), Jatinder Singh alias Honey (Kapurthala), and Harpreet Singh (Hoshiarpur). Investigations revealed they were acting on instructions from Satnam Singh in France.

The second module was busted in Batala following a week-long surveillance operation. SSP Suhail Qasim Mir confirmed nine arrests, including that of a 17-year-old.

Separate FIRs have been registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Act at SSOC police stations in Amritsar and Batala. The police indicated that more arrests are likely as investigations continue.