Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (SBS Nagar), Aug 10: Punjab Police on Monday said it has dismantled an ISI‑sponsored terror module linked to Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), arresting a key operative and recovering an 86‑P hand grenade, in what the state police described as a foiled planned attack.
Joint operation by Counter Intelligence and SBS Nagar police
According to state police leadership, Counter Intelligence, Jalandhar, working jointly with SBS Nagar police, carried out the operation. The arrested person was taken into custody after the recovery of the explosive device, the DGP said, and a first information report has been registered under relevant sections of the penal and explosives laws.
"In a major breakthrough against cross‑border terror networks, Counter Intelligence #Jalandhar, in a joint operation with SBS Nagar Police, busts an #ISI‑sponsored #BKI terror module operated by foreign‑based handlers with the arrest of a key operative and recovers an 86‑P hand grenade, foiling a planned attack," the DGP posted on X.
Preliminary probe points to foreign handlers, DGP says
Preliminary investigation has indicated that the arrested suspect procured the grenade from a DLB (Dead Letter Box) near Adampur, Jalandhar, on directions from handlers based abroad, the DGP said. The police said further investigation is underway to trace the full network, including the identities of foreign handlers and local support links.
- Agency involved: Counter Intelligence, Jalandhar (lead), SBS Nagar police (joint action)
- Seizure: One 86‑P hand grenade
- Action taken: Arrest of a key operative; FIR registered under relevant sections and the Explosive Substances Act
What the police have said and next steps
The DGP's public post underlined the cross‑border sponsorship of the module and framed the arrest as a significant disruption of plans for an attack. Investigators have been tasked with mapping forward and backward linkages, identifying local facilitators, and unmasking the foreign handlers who allegedly directed logistics and procurement.
Law enforcement sources said the use of a DLB — a covert exchange technique used to pass instructions, money or items without direct contact — was central to the procurement route in this case. Police teams are expected to carry out searches and follow leads in Jalandhar, Adampur and surrounding areas to dismantle remaining elements of the network.
Local security context
Punjab has periodically experienced the threat of extremist activity with transnational links. The police statement framed this operation as a preventive success, emphasising the importance of intelligence‑based action to prevent attacks and protect public safety. Authorities did not disclose the identity of the arrested person or further operational details, citing the ongoing nature of the probe.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrest | Key operative in ISI‑sponsored BKI module (identity not disclosed) |
| Explosive recovered | 86‑P hand grenade |
| Investigation | FIR registered; probes into foreign handlers and local links ongoing |
State police said they will continue to pursue leads to expose the complete terror network. The case has been lodged under provisions dealing with criminal conspiracy and explosive substances; the DGP indicated a wider probe to follow, which may involve coordination with central agencies if cross‑border elements are further corroborated.
Residents and commuters in the affected districts were urged to remain calm and co‑operate with law enforcement, while authorities step up vigilance, the police statement added.
Reporting from Punjab.
