Did Punjab Police Uncover an ISI-Backed Grenade Attack Module?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 10 suspects arrested linked to an ISI-backed attack module.
- Seized weapons include a Chinese hand grenade.
- Investigation reveals foreign handlers coordinating with local operatives.
- Operation highlights the threat of terrorism in Punjab.
- Swift police action demonstrates effective law enforcement.
Chandigarh, Nov 13 (NationPress) In a significant development, the Ludhiana Commissionerate Police has dismantled an ISI-backed grenade attack module originating from Pakistan, leading to the apprehension of 10 main operatives linked to foreign handlers, as stated by Punjab's Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Thursday.
The individuals arrested include Kuldeep Singh, Shekhar Singh, and Ajay Singh, all hailing from Muktsar Sahib. Additionally, Amrik Singh, Parminder, Vijay, Sukhjit Singh, Sukhwinder Singh, Karanveer Singh, and Sajan Kumar were brought in on production warrants from various jails for their roles as couriers and facilitators.
Authorities have also seized one Chinese 86P hand grenade, a black kit, and a pair of gloves from these suspects. According to DGP Yadav, initial investigations have shown that the accused maintained contact with handlers based in Pakistan via three operatives located in Malaysia to manage the logistics of a hand grenade.
The assignment from the handlers was to execute a grenade attack in a densely populated area to instigate unrest within the state, emphasized the DGP.
Commissioner of Police (Ludhiana) Swapan Sharma noted that following intelligence reports, an FIR was filed against the suspects Kuldeep Singh, Shekhar Singh, and Ajay Singh. Given the case's sensitive nature, specialized teams were formed to ensure prompt and effective action.
Further investigations have traced the masterminds to Malaysia: Ajay Malaysia, Jass Behbal, and Pawandeep, who are known to live in close quarters abroad and were in communication with local facilitators Amrik Singh and Parminder, both of whom had prior involvement in drug smuggling for these handlers.
During the investigation, Vijay, the brother of Ajay Malaysia, was also apprehended on a production warrant for his role as a facilitator while incarcerated in Ganganagar Jail, Rajasthan, related to a case under the NDPS Act.
The inquiry has also exposed a local network involving accused Sukhjit Singh, Sukhwinder Singh, Karanveer Singh, and Sajan, who were involved in facilitating the delivery of the hand grenade in Punjab.