Court convicts 3, acquits 6 in 2022 Moga explosives case

The Additional Sessions Court in Moga has convicted three persons and acquitted six others in the high-profile 2022 Moga explosives and arms case related to an alleged police encounter.

Delivering the verdict, Additional Sessions Judge Bishan Saroop sentenced Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi, Varinder Singh alias Vinda, and Baljit Singh to three years of rigorous imprisonment each for illegal possession of arms and explosives under the Arms Act and the Explosive Substances Act.

The case dates back to January 6, 2022, when a CIA staff team of Moga police intercepted a black vehicle at a checkpoint on the Mehna-Chugawan link road. The occupants reportedly attempted to break the barricade and flee. During the chase and subsequent search, police recovered two 9mm pistols with live cartridges from Gurpreet and Varinder, and two foreign-made hand grenades from Baljit. Police alleged that the accused had pointed their weapons and tried to hurl a grenade at the officers with the intent to kill.

Following the incident, an FIR was registered under various Sections of the IPC, Arms Act, Explosive Substances Act, and later under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The investigation unearthed alleged links to foreign-based terrorist networks, including Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dala, identified as the head of the gang and associated with ISYF and KLF outfits. Arsh Dala and Lakhbir Singh Rode were declared absconders in the case.

After a prolonged trial, the court acquitted six accused — Arshdeep Singh, Amandeep Kumar alias Mantri, Sagar alias Binni, Sunil alias Bhalwal, Gurpreet Singh, and Varinder Singh — of major charges, including conspiracy, attempt to murder, and offenses under UAPA. However, the three convicts were found guilty of possessing illegal weapons and explosives.

The court further directed that Amandeep Kumar, Sagar and Sunil, who remained in custody during the trial, be released immediately if not required in any other case.

As per records, Baljit remained in custody from January 6, 2022, to August 20, 2025, and Varinder Singh from January 6, 2022, to August 19, 2025.