Cross-border terror plot busted in Amritsar; grenade, Glock pistol seized
Synopsis
A 24-year-old man allegedly in contact with ISI handlers via Instagram was arrested in Amritsar with a live hand grenade and a loaded Glock pistol — reportedly tasked with attacking police establishments and public places. The bust underscores how cross-border operatives are increasingly exploiting social media platforms to recruit and direct local assets inside Punjab.
Key Takeaways
Amritsar Commissionerate Police arrested Sumit Kumar , alias Pandit ( 24 ), on 15 July in a cross-border terror case.
A hand grenade , a 9mm Glock pistol , and four cartridges were recovered from his possession.
The accused was allegedly in contact with cross-border ISI handlers via Instagram and reportedly directed to target police establishments and public places.
He was already facing a case under the NDPS Act prior to this arrest.
A case has been registered under the Arms Act , BNS Section 113 , and the Explosive Act at Cantonment Police Station, Amritsar.
Investigators are working to identify additional associates and handlers involved in the network.
Amritsar Commissionerate Police has busted a cross-border terror conspiracy with the arrest of Sumit Kumar, alias Pandit (24), a resident of Pandori Waraich, Amritsar, and the recovery of a hand grenade, a 9mm Glock pistol, and four cartridges from his possession, Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav announced on Wednesday, 15 July. The breakthrough, described by police as a major operational success, has exposed alleged links between the accused and cross-border handlers operating through social media.
How the Arrest Unfolded
Commissioner of Police (Amritsar) Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that acting on reliable intelligence and technical surveillance, police teams first arrested Sumit Kumar and recovered the Glock pistol along with four cartridges from his person. During sustained interrogation and based on the accused's disclosure statement, a hand grenade was subsequently recovered, further exposing the scale of the alleged conspiracy. Police have also impounded his motorcycle.
ISI Links and Alleged Targets
Preliminary investigation has revealed, according to DGP Yadav, that the accused was allegedly in contact with cross-border ISI handlers through Instagram and was reportedly directed to target police establishments and public places to disturb peace and public order. The accused, a native of Sukhsal village in Ropar district, was already facing a criminal case registered under the NDPS Act, further verification of his antecedents has revealed.
Legal Sections Invoked
A case dated 21 June has been registered at the Cantonment Police Station, Amritsar under Sections 25 (6, 7 and 8) of the Arms Act, Section 113 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and Sections 4 and 5 of the Explosive Act. The invocation of the Explosive Act alongside Arms Act charges signals the seriousness with which investigators are treating the recovered grenade. This comes amid a broader pattern of cross-border weapon-smuggling attempts in Punjab that security agencies have flagged repeatedly over the past two years.
Investigation Ongoing
Further investigation is underway to uncover the full network and identify other associates and handlers involved, DGP Yadav said. Authorities have not ruled out additional arrests as they trace the accused's alleged communication chain with handlers across the border.
Point of View
Suggesting that criminal networks and terror logistics may be converging in the same recruit pool. The recovery of a live grenade — disclosed only after sustained questioning — points to a deeper cache that may not yet be fully accounted for. The real test for investigators is whether the Instagram communication trail leads to handlers, not just to this one foot soldier.
NationPress
15 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in the Amritsar cross-border terror case?
The arrested individual is Sumit Kumar , alias Pandit, a 24-year-old native of Sukhsal village in Ropar district, presently residing at Pandori Waraich in Amritsar. He was apprehended by Amritsar Commissionerate Police on 15 July.
What weapons were recovered from the accused?
Police recovered one hand grenade, one 9mm Glock pistol, and four cartridges from Sumit Kumar's possession. His motorcycle was also impounded during the operation.
What was the accused allegedly directed to do?
According to preliminary investigation cited by DGP Gaurav Yadav, the accused was allegedly in contact with cross-border ISI handlers through Instagram and was reportedly directed to target police establishments and public places to disturb peace and public order.
What charges have been filed in this case?
A case has been registered at Cantonment Police Station, Amritsar, dated 21 June, under Sections 25 (6, 7 and 8) of the Arms Act, Section 113 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and Sections 4 and 5 of the Explosive Act.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes. DGP Gaurav Yadav confirmed that further investigation is underway to uncover the full network and identify other associates and handlers. Additional arrests have not been ruled out as authorities trace the accused's alleged communication chain.
