A significant counter-terror operation in Tarn Taran district has led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and explosives, including a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), hand grenades, improvised explosive device (IED) components, and advanced firearms. The seizure, confirmed by Gaurav Yadav, is being viewed as a major breakthrough that potentially prevented a planned terror attack in the region.
The recovery was carried out in Panjwarh Khurd village during a coordinated operation conducted by the Patiala Police along with the State Special Operations Cell based in Amritsar. Authorities indicated that the weapons haul is directly linked to an ongoing investigation into a network allegedly supported by Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI, and associated with pro-Khalistan elements. This network is suspected to have been involved in a recent failed attempt to carry out an IED blast on a railway track near Shambhu in Patiala.
The development follows closely on the heels of an explosion near the Shambhu railway track, where an individual identified as Jagroop Singh alias Jupa was killed. Police believe he was attempting to plant an explosive device when it detonated prematurely, leading to his death and exposing the presence of an active module. Within hours of that incident, law enforcement agencies acted swiftly and arrested four individuals connected to the group, including the alleged mastermind, Pardeep Singh Khalsa.
During the initial arrests, authorities recovered a hand grenade, two .30 bore pistols, electronic communication equipment, and laptops. Subsequent interrogation of one of the accused, Satnam Singh, provided crucial information that led investigators to additional concealed weapons. Acting on these disclosures, police conducted targeted searches and uncovered a substantial stockpile hidden in a stable and a vehicle within the village.
Among the recovered items were a fully assembled RPG launcher, a 2.3-kilogram metallic IED commonly referred to as a sticky bomb, complete with detonators, wiring, and a power source, as well as approximately 1.5 kilograms of RDX explosive material. The cache also included a P-86 hand grenade and multiple sophisticated firearms such as a 9mm Glock-18, a PX5 Storm pistol, and a Star Mark pistol, along with magazines and dozens of live cartridges. Additional equipment such as wireless communication sets, headphones, and timer switches suggested a high level of operational planning and coordination.
Investigators revealed that the module was not operating in isolation but was part of a broader, internationally connected network. According to police, the group had backing from a Malaysia-based entity, with financial transactions allegedly routed through a handler identified as Jujhar Singh. Further links have been traced to Surinder Singh Thikriwal, who has been implicated in previous terror-related activities, as well as to Pakistan-based Ranjeet Singh alias Neeta, indicating a multi-layered cross-border support structure.
All arrested individuals have been charged under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with sections of the Explosive Act, Arms Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the full extent of the network’s activities, including possible links to earlier incidents such as the January 23, 2026 blast on the Sirhind railway track and a grenade attack in Moga in November 2025.
Officials have emphasized that the recovery has likely averted a major threat, while also highlighting the need for continued vigilance against evolving terror networks that operate through international coordination, covert funding channels, and sophisticated weaponry.
