Did Punjab Police successfully dismantle a BKI-backed terror module?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Punjab Police thwarted a potential terror attack.
- Two operatives connected to BKI were arrested.
- Weapons, including a hand grenade, were recovered.
- Investigation ongoing to identify more members of the network.
- Communications were secured through encryption.
Chandigarh, Aug 31 (NationPress) In a significant intelligence-driven operation, the Punjab Police have dismantled a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI)-supported terror module, successfully preventing major disruptive actions within the state. This operation led to the apprehension of two operatives, as stated by Gaurav Yadav, the state Director General of Police.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Sarwan Kumar and Balwinder Singh, both from Gurdaspur.
During the operation, police forces recovered an Arges hand grenade and a .30 bore Star Mark pistol along with three cartridges from their possession.
This development follows a recent incident where Counter Intelligence Pathankot successfully prevented a target killing by dismantling a related module, which included four members, two of whom were juveniles, and resulted in the recovery of two .30 bore Star Mark pistols.
DGP Yadav indicated that initial investigations suggest the arrested individuals were operating under directives from foreign-based handlers linked to Babbar Khalsa International. The duo was introduced to these handlers through an intermediary.
Furthermore, a case has been filed under pertinent legal sections, and efforts are underway to locate and apprehend additional members associated with this terror network.
Adding more insights, Sukhminder Singh Mann, Assistant Inspector General in Pathankot, mentioned that the arrested suspects were assigned to conduct reconnaissance on various security installations and were provided with explosives and financial resources for this task.
The suspects were communicating with their handlers through encrypted applications and virtual phone numbers. Mann noted that further investigations are ongoing to uncover the entire BKI-linked network and to review previous crimes committed by the arrested individuals. In this context, an FIR No. 48 dated August 30 has been registered under Section 25 of the Arms Act, Section 61 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act at a police station in Amritsar.