Two more operatives linked to gangster-terror network nabbed

The State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Amritsar, in a joint operation with the Counter Intelligence (CI), Pathankot, has arrested two more operatives linked to a gangster-terror network active across Punjab and recovered a 9mm Glock pistol along with three magazines and five live cartridges from their possession.

Those arrested have been identified as Harpreet Singh, a resident of Baupur Afgana village in Gurdaspur, and Navpreet Singh, a resident of Machhiwal village in Amritsar. Both were taken into custody after coordinated intelligence-based operations were carried out across Amritsar and Pathankot districts.

Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said preliminary investigations indicate that the duo was working on the instructions of their UK-based handler, who had arranged for the weapons and tasked them with conducting reconnaissance of specific targets in Gurdaspur, Batala and Amritsar. The accused were allegedly planning targeted killings intended to spread fear and disturb communal harmony in the state. The DGP added that this operation follows the earlier arrest of two members of the same module, from whom a hand grenade and a pistol were recovered. The latest arrests were made during the ongoing investigation into that case.

AIG, SSOC, Sukhminder Singh Mann said the arrests were the result of a sustained intelligence-gathering effort and close coordination between the SSOC, Amritsar, and the CI, Pathankot. Acting on leads from the earlier operation, the joint teams conducted a detailed probe that exposed the wider network and led to the identification and apprehension of the two accused. Mann said further investigation is underway to trace the module’s entire network, including its foreign-based handlers, financiers, and arms suppliers. More arrests and recoveries are likely in the coming days as part of the continuing operation to dismantle the network completely.

A case has been registered under Section 25 of the Arms Act and Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosives Act at the SSOC police station in Amritsar.