Did Punjab Police Prevent a Terror Attack Linked to BKI?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Chandigarh, Jan 23 (NationPress) In light of increased security measures across Punjab to ensure the smooth observance of Republic Day, as directed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) of Amritsar has successfully thwarted a potential attack targeting a security facility. This operation was connected to a terror module associated with the outlawed Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). The arrest of an operative was confirmed by Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Friday.
The suspect has been identified as Sharanpreet Singh, hailing from Dinewal village in Tarn Taran.
Law enforcement teams have seized one P86 hand grenade, a 9mm Glock pistol with five cartridges, and 65 grams of ICE drug from his possession.
DGP Yadav reported that initial investigations indicate the suspect was operating under the direction of foreign-based BKI affiliates Nishan Singh (alias Nishan Jaurrian), Adeshbir Singh (alias Adesh Jamarai), and Simranjit Singh (alias Simma Deol), who have been implicated in orchestrating terror-related activities in Punjab.
The DGP added that ongoing investigations are aimed at uncovering further connections within this case.
Details from the operation were shared by Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) (SSOC) Sukhminder Singh Mann, who stated that, during an intelligence-driven operation, teams from Amritsar apprehended Sharanpreet Singh at Bundala Morh along the Amritsar-Tarn Taran highway, where they recovered a Glock pistol, ammunition, and ICE drug.
While being interrogated, Sharanpreet Singh revealed that his handlers had recently coordinated the delivery of a hand grenade, which he had hidden near a church along the Amritsar-Tarn Taran highway. Acting on his confession, police recovered the P86 hand grenade from the designated location.
The AIG further noted that Sharanpreet Singh had been drawn into this network through his cousin Simma Deol. Under their instructions, he has been involved in transporting consignments of explosives, firearms, and managing illicit funds.