Man held with IED in Amritsar; ISI link suspected
The accused is being interrogated to uncover his network and handlers
The Amritsar Rural Police on Friday foiled a terror plot and arrested a man suspected of carrying out terrorist activities in Punjab at the behest of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
A powerful improvised explosive device (IED) was recovered from his possession, and a case has been registered.
According to police, the accused is being interrogated to uncover his network and handlers. Central intelligence agencies are also expected to question him.
Preliminary investigations have revealed the presence of several Pakistani mobile numbers on the accused’s phone. Police sources said he had been in contact with Pakistan-based operatives through internet-based calling platforms.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, police intercepted the accused while he was allegedly on his way to dispose of the IED, which he had reportedly picked up from the Ramdas area. He was arrested during a raid, and the explosive device was seized.
The IED is suspected to have been dropped at the Indian side by Pakistan-based handlers using a drone.
Police are also probing whether the accused has any links to the recent grenade attack at the Bhindi Saida police station. Further investigation is under way.
