Member of BKI-backed terror module arrested in Amritsar

PK Jaiswar

Amritsar, July 18

The police today claimed to have thwarted possible targeted killings with the arrest of a member of the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI)-backed terror module. The arrested personhas been identified as Vikramjit Singh of Ghaniye Ke Bangar in Batala.

The module was being operated by USA-based wanted terrorist Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passian, a close aide of designated terrorist Harwinder Singh, alias Rinda, along with his Italy-based associate Resham Singh, said DGP Gaurav Yadav. The arrest was made by the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) following a tip-off.

The police also seized a .32 bore pistol along with two magazines, nine live cartridges and one empty bullet shell from his possession. It also impounded his Royal Enfield motorcycle.

In a statement, the DGP said there was information that Happy Passian and his associate Resham Singh had tasked their foot soldier Vikramjit Singh with some major criminal activity in the state. Vikramjit was travelling towards the Chamrang road on his bike when the police intercepted him.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused was carrying out illegal activities on the directions of his foreign-based handlers. Further investigations were on to establish forward and backward linkages in the case, he added.

SSOC Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Sukhminder Singh Mann said Vikramjit had been in touch with Resham Singh for the past 5-6 years and a few months ago, Resham Singh had introduced him to Happy Passian. Harpreet Singh had also been arranging weapons and ammunition for his gang-members and in that series, accused Vikramjit recently procured a consignment to carry out Passian’s nefarious plans, he said.

A case has been registered under Section 25 of the Arms Act and Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Amritsar SSOC police station.

Targeted killings thwarted

• The module was being operated by USA-based wanted terrorist Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passian, along with his Italy-based associate Resham Singh
• With the arrest of Vikramjit Singh, a resident of Ghaniye Ke Bangar village in Batala, the police have claimed to have thwarted possible targeted killings in the state
• Preliminary investigations have revealed Vikramjit carried out illegal activities on the directions of his foreign-based handlers

4 China-made pistols found near border

The Border Security Force (BSF) has seized four China-made pistols along with 50 rounds of ammunition near the International Border in the Tarn Taran sector. The weapons are believed to have been dropped by a drone.