Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh/Jalandhar
In a major counter-terrorism breakthrough ahead of Independence Day, Punjab Police has foiled an alleged terror plot by busting an ISI-backed Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) module and arresting its key operative with a powerful improvised explosive device (IED).
The joint operation was carried out by the Counter Intelligence unit in Jalandhar and the Jalandhar Rural Police, leading to the arrest of Satbir Singh, a resident of Padiyana village in Adampur, Jalandhar. Police recovered a 1.3-kg high-explosive IED along with a black Bajaj Platina motorcycle (PB-08-ET-6736) from his possession.
According to Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, the operation was launched after Counter Intelligence received credible inputs that an active BKI member was transporting explosive material on the instructions of Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI and foreign-based terror handlers.
Acting on the intelligence, police teams set up a joint checkpoint near Dhandaur village in Jalandhar district. During the operation, Satbir Singh was intercepted and his bag was searched, leading to the recovery of the IED.
The DGP said the explosive device had been packed with a large number of iron pellets and ball bearings, indicating that it was designed to cause maximum casualties and spread panic among the public. Officials said the timely action prevented a potential large-scale terrorist attack.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the accused was working under the directions of ISI-backed BKI handlers operating from abroad. Punjab Police has launched an extensive probe to identify both the forward and backward links of the terror network, including foreign handlers and local collaborators who may have provided shelter, financial support, or logistical assistance.
An FIR has been registered at Patara Police Station under Sections 113(1) and 113(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Sections 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act, and Section 25(1B)(A) of the Arms Act. The accused is currently being interrogated, and further investigations are underway.
