North News
CHANDIGARH, December 23
Three members of the Pakistan-sponsored Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) terror module, accused of a grenade attack in Punjab’s Gurdaspur, were reportedly killed in a joint operation by Uttar Pradesh and Punjab police, according to media reports quoting a news agency. However, Punjab Police issued a statement stating that the suspects were injured during the operation and had been taken to a hospital for treatment.
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav described the operation as a significant breakthrough against the Pakistan-ISI-backed KZF. The encounter took place within the jurisdiction of Puranpur Police Station in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, after the suspects reportedly opened fire on police. The development follows a December 18 grenade attack at the Bakshiwala Police Post in Gurdaspur’s Kalanaur area, for which KZF had claimed responsibility via social media.
Three suspected members of the Pakistan-sponsored Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) terror module, accused of a grenade attack in Punjab’s Gurdaspur, were injured in a joint operation by Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Punjab police, the DGP said.
The injured suspects were identified as Varinder Singh alias Ravi of Agwan village, Gurwinder Singh of Bhaini Bania Mohalla, and Jashanpreet Singh alias Partap Singh of Shur Khurd—all in Kalanaur. Police recovered two AK-47 rifles and two 9mm Glock pistols during the operation, Yadav said.
Preliminary investigations suggest the module was controlled by Pakistan-based KZF chief Ranjeet Singh Nita and operated by Greece-based Jaswinder Singh Mannu, originally from Agwan village. Accused module leader Varinder Singh was reportedly under the command of UK-based Jagjeet Singh, who allegedly works in the British Army under the alias Fateh Singh Baghi.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Border Range Satinder Singh said the suspects fled to Uttar Pradesh after the Gurdaspur attack. Based on reliable intelligence, Punjab Police coordinated with Pilibhit authorities to trace and confront the suspects. The suspects fired at the police teams, prompting retaliation.
The injured suspects were taken to CHC Puranpur for treatment, police said. Further investigations are underway to dismantle the module, with more arrests and recoveries expected, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gurdaspur Harish Dayama added.
The case was registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Explosive Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
