Chandigarh, Aug 12 — In a major breakthrough against Pakistan’s ISI-backed terror network, Punjab Police’s Counter Intelligence (CI) Jalandhar, in coordination with SBS Nagar Police, has dismantled a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) module. Five operatives, including three juveniles, were arrested from Rajasthan’s Tonk and Jaipur districts. The arrested include Ritik Naroliya of Jaipur, Sonu Kumar of Kapurthala, and three minors.
The module was operated by foreign-based handlers Mannu Agwan, Gopi Nawanshehria, and Zeeshan Akhtar, acting on instructions from Pakistan-based BKI operative Harwinder Singh alias Rinda. Police recovered an 86P hand grenade, a .30 bore pistol, two cartridges, and two empty shells.
According to DGP Gaurav Yadav, the module had recently executed a grenade attack on a liquor store in SBS Nagar on August 7 and was planning further strikes in the run-up to Independence Day. The accused were receiving direct orders from Agwan and Akhtar. “We have successfully averted more planned attacks,” Yadav stated, adding that investigations are underway to trace wider linkages.
Assistant Inspector General (Jalandhar) Navjot Mahal said the arrests followed an intelligence-led operation in Rajasthan. During a follow-up recovery effort, accused Sonu attempted to open fire on police. Officers retaliated in self-defence, injuring Sonu, who was later hospitalised.
Police believe the module was part of a broader effort by foreign handlers to orchestrate violence in Punjab ahead of national celebrations. The successful operation has dealt a blow to BKI’s network and disrupted planned attacks on civilian and commercial targets. Authorities are now probing the supply chain of arms and explosives to uncover the complete terror infrastructure linked to the ISI-backed group.
