Four operatives belonging to the banned terrorist organization Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), allegedly backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), have been apprehended by the Punjab Police in a significant breakthrough in the state’s ongoing efforts to counter terrorism. The arrests, announced by Punjab’s Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, underscore the persistent threat posed by externally supported militant groups seeking to destabilize the border state.
According to DGP Yadav’s official communication, the arrested individuals were actively involved in plotting to target police establishments within Punjab using grenades. The swift and coordinated action by the state police led to the successful apprehension of these four alleged terrorists, thwarting a potential attack and preventing possible loss of life and damage to property.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Naresh Kumar alias Babbu, Abhinav Bhagat alias Abhi, Ajay Kumar alias Ajju, and Sunny Kumar. Additionally, a minor has also been detained in connection with this terror module. These individuals are reportedly associated with Jiwan Fauji, a foreign-based gangster who is believed to be operating the BKI module from overseas. Babbar Khalsa International is officially designated as a terrorist organization by the Ministry of Home Affairs in India.
During the operation, law enforcement agencies successfully recovered a hand grenade and a pistol from the possession of the accused, further substantiating their alleged involvement in планирование terrorist activities. Following the initial arrests, a follow-up recovery operation was conducted, during which one of the accused, Ajay Kumar, attempted to evade custody by snatching a service weapon from a police officer and opening fire. In the ensuing exchange, Ajay Kumar sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment under police custody.
DGP Gaurav Yadav lauded the efforts of the Punjab Police in this operation, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and harmony in the state by dismantling terror modules. He stated that further investigation is currently underway to fully unearth the network of these operatives and to identify any potential forward and backward linkages associated with this BKI module.
This recent success against a BKI-linked terror module highlights the continued challenges faced by Punjab in combating cross-border terrorism. Despite significant successes in neutralizing the Khalistani separatist movement in the past, remnants of various terrorist outfits, often with support from Pakistan’s ISI and elements within the diaspora, continue to pose a threat to the state’s security.
Babbar Khalsa International is one of the oldest and most organized Khalistani terrorist groups. While the organization’s influence significantly waned following a major crackdown in the 1990s, it has continued to operate through clandestine networks and with external support. The arrest of these four operatives underscores the group’s persistent efforts to revive militancy in Punjab.
The alleged backing of these terrorists by Pakistan’s ISI is a matter of serious concern for Indian security agencies. It reinforces long-standing allegations of Pakistan’s involvement in fostering and supporting separatist and terrorist activities in Punjab. The ISI’s purported role in providing logistical support, training, and weapons to these groups further complicates the security scenario in the border region.
The recovery of a grenade and a pistol from the arrested individuals indicates their intent and capability to carry out violent attacks. The fact that they were reportedly plotting to target police establishments suggests a deliberate attempt to undermine the authority of the state and create an atmosphere of fear and instability.
The apprehension of these four individuals and the ongoing investigation are crucial steps in disrupting the plans of this BKI module and preventing potential terrorist acts. The Punjab Police’s proactive approach and intelligence-led operations are vital in countering the persistent threat of terrorism in the state.
This latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued vigilance and robust security measures along Punjab’s border with Pakistan. The deployment of advanced technology, усиление intelligence gathering, and effective coordination between state and central security agencies are essential in effectively tackling the challenge of cross-border terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of the people of Punjab. The successful arrest of these four Babbar Khalsa terrorists is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the Punjab Police in their fight against terrorism.