The North News
Chandigarh, May 21
In a significant breakthrough against transnational terrorism, Punjab Police on Tuesday busted a terror module backed by Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI and operated by foreign-based handlers of the outlawed Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). Six individuals were arrested in connection with the network, which police say was orchestrated from abroad by Portugal-based Maninder Billa and BKI’s new operational head Mannu Agwan. The directive, officials said, came from Harwinder Singh Rinda, a known ISI-linked terrorist figure.
Punjab’s Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav revealed details of the operation on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating that the group had recently attempted a grenade attack outside a liquor vend in Batala, Gurdaspur district.
The arrested operatives were identified as Jatin Kumar alias Rohan, Barinder Singh alias Sajan, Rahul Masih, Abraham alias Rohit, Sohit, and Sunil Kumar.
According to police, one of the accused, Jatin Kumar, opened fire during a recovery operation and was injured in retaliatory firing. He is currently under treatment at Civil Hospital, Batala.
A case has been registered at Police Station Civil Lines, Batala, under relevant provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). A .30 bore pistol was recovered during the operation.
The police said that the module had been taking direct instructions from foreign handlers following the recent arrest of BKI operative Happy Passian in the United States, which had triggered a shift in the group’s command structure.
Punjab Police reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling such terror networks. “We remain resolute in our efforts to neutralise threats and safeguard peace and public safety,” said DGP Yadav.
