Cops bust network, unearth explosives, weapons cache

In a major breakthrough in cross-border terrorism, the Amritsar Rural Police on Monday recovered another consignment of explosives, further exposing an ISI-backed network operating in the region.

Acting on leads obtained during the investigation into the recent seizure of hand grenades, the police arrested Harpreet Singh, alias Happy, alias Milkha, a resident of Bhikhiwind area in Tarn Taran, and recovered two more hand grenades from his possession. With this, the total number of grenades recovered from the module has risen to four in just four days.

Earlier, the police had nabbed Ravinder Singh, alias Ravi, of Talwandi Mohar Singh village, Patti, on October 2, and seized an unregistered motorcycle from him.

Investigations revealed that both accused were in touch with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) through a handler identified as ‘Tiger’.

“During interrogation, Harpreet Singh disclosed that he was in direct contact with a Pakistan-based operative known as Tiger. He admitted that he was receiving instructions to collect drone-dropped consignments of weapons and explosives from Dall village in Tarn Taran for further delivery to criminal and terror networks,” revealed SSP, Amritsar (Rural), Maninder Singh

He said the arrests have unearthed a wider ISI-sponsored network engaged in pushing weapons and explosives into Punjab using drones. He added that Ravinder Singh is a habitual offender already facing charges under Section 307 of the BNS and the Arms Act in Tarn Taran district.

A case has been registered under Section 113 of the BNS and Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Explosives Act. Police teams are now working to trace other local conduits and foreign handlers associated with the module.

“This operation once again highlights Pakistan’s desperate attempts to disturb peace and stability in Punjab. Our investigations are continuing to identify and dismantle the entire network,” said the SSP.