Amritsar police foil cross-border smuggling networks; 5 arrested with pistols, grenades

The Amritsar Rural Police, in coordination with central agencies, have arrested five individuals linked to terror and cross-border smuggling networks in two major intelligence-led operations over the past week. The arrests have foiled attempts to disrupt Punjab’s peaceful atmosphere, particularly during the festive season.

Dharminder Singh alias Fauji, a former paramilitary commando, was among those arrested. He had previously been arrested in 2018 for sedition and under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act charges, and was granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2022.

Mehakpreet Singh, a resident of Harpura village, was arrested in a joint operation with the Intelligence Bureau. The police seized two HG-86P grenades, one Glock-19 pistol, and 15 live cartridges, said Maninder Singh, SSP Amritsar Rural.

Ravinder Singh alias Ravi, a resident of Talwandi Mohar Killa Patti in Tarn Taran, was arrested with two hand grenades and an unregistered bike.

The arrested individuals allegedly acted on directions from UK-based Khalistan Commando Force leader Kulwant Singh alias Kanta. A case has been registered against Ravinder Singh under Sections 113 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Explosive Act, 1908. Officials confirmed Ravinder Singh’s criminal background, including previous cases of attempted murder and Arms Act violations in Tarn Taran.

Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav held a high-security meeting with senior officials from seven border districts, confirming intelligence inputs about anti-national forces backed by Pakistan’s ISI attempting to disrupt peace in Punjab. Consequently, districts along the international border have been put on high alert.