NIA searches 15 locations linked with Babbar Khalsa in Punjab

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday searched 15 locations in Punjab linked with terror group Babbar Khalsa International in connection with a grenade attack on a police station in Gurdaspur district in December last year.

The searches, carried out in Gurdaspur, Batala, Amritsar and Kapurthala, led to the seizure of incriminating material, including mobile phones, digital devices and documents.

On the radar were premises of suspects linked with US-based BKI operative and gangster Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passia, his aide Shamsher Singh Shera, alias Honey, and others.

A key aide of Pakistan-based BKI terrorist Harwinder Singh, alias Rinda, Happy is responsible for recently orchestrating numerous grenade attacks on various police stations and police posts in Punjab and Haryana.

The NIA investigation relating to the grenade attack on the Ghanie Ke Bangar police station in Gurdaspur district had revealed that the arrested accused was acting on the directions of Happy, along with Shamsher and others.

As per NIA investigations, BKI operatives based in various countries were engaged in a criminal conspiracy to recruit and train India-based associates, besides providing funds, weapons and explosives to the field operatives of the terror outfit. These activities were being carried out through their associates and acquaintances, also based abroad, including in Pakistan.

The conspiracy by the foreign-based designated terrorists and handlers was aimed at carrying out terror acts in India. The NIA had registered the case on the directions of the Ministry of Home Affairs.