Did Punjab Police Prevent a Terror Plot Linked to ISI?
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Synopsis
In a significant operation, Punjab Police's AGTF has thwarted a terror plot supported by Pakistan's ISI, recovering a substantial cache of arms from Gurdaspur. This bold action underscores the ongoing efforts to maintain public safety against external threats.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab Police's AGTF successfully disrupted a terror plot.
- Arms recovered included AK-47 rifles and hand grenades.
- Operation involved intelligence from human sources.
- Investigation is ongoing to identify all operatives involved.
- Previous plots have also been foiled in the region.
Chandigarh, July 9 (NationPress) Punjab's Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav announced on Wednesday that the state's Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) has successfully thwarted a terror plot allegedly backed by the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan. This operation was orchestrated by Harwinder Rinda, an operative of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) residing in Pakistan, with the seizure of terrorist equipment from a forest area in Gurdaspur.
The cache of recovered arms includes two AK-47 rifles, 16 cartridges, two magazines, and two P-86 hand grenades.
DGP Yadav indicated that initial investigations have uncovered that the arms were smuggled into India by Pakistani agencies and Harwinder Rinda as part of a calculated scheme to execute attacks across multiple sites in Punjab, intending to disturb public order.
In a statement shared on the social media platform X, the DGP remarked: "Thanks to prompt human intelligence, AGTF teams successfully located and seized a substantial cache of terrorist weapons, which included two AK-47 rifles with 16 live rounds, two magazines, and two P-86 hand grenades from a forested area in #Gurdaspur, preventing it from reaching Harwinder Rinda's associates."
Acting on crucial human intelligence, AGTF units, under the guidance of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Promod Ban, tracked the consignment in Gurdaspur before it could be retrieved by Harwinder Rinda's operatives. DGP Yadav added that investigations are ongoing to identify those involved in the consignment's retrieval.
AGTF's Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Gurmeet Chauhan stated that the inquiry has also identified the participation of international terrorists in this module linked to the Pakistan-ISI.
Further recoveries of arms shipments are anticipated in the near future, he noted.
A first information report (FIR) under relevant sections of the Explosives Act and Arms Act has been lodged at the Purana Shala police station in Gurdaspur.
Earlier, the Jalandhar Counter Intelligence had thwarted a target killing plot in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh, orchestrated by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, leading to the arrest of a key operative and the recovery of two pistols.
The suspect was identified as Himanshu Sood, from Phagwara in Kapurthala.
The confiscated pistols include a China-made .30 bore PX3 Pistol and a .32 bore pistol, alongside two magazines and seven cartridges.
Point of View
The efforts by Punjab's AGTF showcase the commitment to countering terrorist threats effectively. This operation not only highlights the vigilance of law enforcement agencies but also the ongoing challenges posed by external influences on national security. It is crucial to support these initiatives to ensure peace and stability in the region.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the recent operation conducted by Punjab Police?
The Punjab Police's Anti-Gangster Task Force foiled a terror plot linked to the ISI of Pakistan, recovering significant arms from Gurdaspur.
Who is Harwinder Rinda?
Harwinder Rinda is a Babbar Khalsa International operative based in Pakistan, believed to be orchestrating terror activities in Punjab.
What types of weapons were recovered?
The operation resulted in the seizure of two AK-47 rifles, two hand grenades, magazines, and cartridges.
Are there any ongoing investigations related to this case?
Yes, investigations are continuing to identify other operatives connected to the arms consignment.
Has any arrest been made in this operation?
Currently, the investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been reported yet in this specific operation.
