Punjab Police has dismantled an ISI-backed Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror module and arrested a key operative in a joint operation conducted by Counterintelligence Jalandhar and SBS Nagar Police, senior police officer Gaurav Yadav said on Monday.
An 86-P hand grenade was recovered from the accused, enabling police to prevent a planned attack, the DGP said.
“In a major breakthrough against cross-border terror networks, Counterintelligence Jalandhar, in a joint operation with SBS Nagar Police, busts an ISI-sponsored BKI terror module operated by foreign-based handlers with the arrest of a key operative and recovers an 86-P hand grenade, foiling a planned attack,” Yadav said in a post on X.
According to the preliminary investigation, the accused allegedly obtained the grenade from a DLB near Adampur in Jalandhar on instructions from handlers based abroad.
A DLB, or Dead Letter Box, refers to a covert communication and logistics method used by terrorist organisations, handlers and organised crime networks to transfer instructions, money, weapons or other materials without direct contact. Such methods help operatives and handlers communicate while limiting the chances of being identified through face-to-face meetings.
PROBE INTO WIDER TERROR NETWORK
An FIR has been filed at the Sadar Nawanshahr police station in SBS Nagar under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Explosive Substances Act, the DGP said.
Police are now carrying out a detailed investigation to trace the larger network and identify the foreign-based handlers allegedly directing the operation. Investigators will also examine the module’s local support system and its forward and backward linkages.
“Further investigation is underway to expose the complete terror network, including foreign handlers, local support networks and forward & backward linkages,” Yadav said.
The operation comes as Punjab Police continues its crackdown on cross-border terror networks and their alleged connections with organised crime and overseas-based handlers. The state police said it remains focused on dismantling such networks, disrupting organised criminal operations and safeguarding peace and public security across Punjab.
