In a significant and strategically crucial operation, the Punjab Police have announced a major breakthrough against Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)-backed Khalistani terror networks, successfully busting a module of the banned Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) in Batala. This decisive action, which included a dramatic shootout, resulted in the apprehension of six individuals, dealing a considerable blow to cross-border efforts aimed at destabilizing the state. The operation underscores the relentless vigilance and intelligence-led approach of the Punjab Police in combating the persistent threat of terrorism.
According to a statement released by Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, the dismantled module was operating under the direct instructions of foreign-based handlers, identified as Maninder Billa (believed to be based in Portugal) and Mannu Agwan. These handlers, in turn, were acting on the broader directions of the notorious Pakistan-based terrorist, Harwinder Singh Rinda. Notably, Mannu Agwan has reportedly assumed operational charge of BKI following the recent arrest of another key operative, Happy Passian, in the United States, highlighting the fluidity and adaptive nature of these terror networks.
The six arrested individuals, all identified as residents of Batala and its surrounding areas, have been named as Jatin Kumar alias Rohan, Barinder Singh alias Sajan, Abraham alias Rohit, Sunil Kumar (all from Shukarpura), Rahul Masih of Harnam Nagar, and Sohit of Qila Des Raj. Their apprehension followed intensive intelligence gathering and a targeted operation by Batala police.
The module’s nefarious activities came to light following an attempted grenade attack outside a liquor vend in the Focal Point area of Batala on May 17. In a stroke of fortune that prevented a potentially tragic incident, the hand grenade, though lobbed by unidentified bike-borne youths, failed to explode due to what preliminary investigations have revealed as “faulty assembly.” The DGP confirmed that the accused had attempted to assemble the grenade based on instructions received via a video call from Billa and another unknown individual, critically, without any technical expertise, leading to its non-detonation. Police subsequently found the grenade with its pin removed.
The arrests were not without incident. During the operation, specifically while being taken for the recovery of a weapon, accused Jatin Kumar alias Rohan, who is considered the main executor of the attack, reportedly opened fire at the police team in a desperate attempt to escape. The police retaliated, and in the ensuing exchange of fire, Jatin Kumar sustained bullet injuries. He was subsequently admitted to a local civil hospital for treatment, where his condition is being monitored. From the module, police teams successfully recovered one .30 bore pistol, a crucial piece of evidence linking the group to their violent intentions.
A case has been registered at the Civil Lines police station in Batala under various stringent sections of the Explosive Substances Act, along with sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). These comprehensive charges reflect the gravity of the offenses and the serious nature of the terror plot.
DGP Yadav further elaborated that preliminary investigations suggest the module had been directed by its foreign handlers to specifically target liquor vends. The intent behind such attacks, he stated, was to “spread fear among contractors,” thereby creating a conducive environment for future extortion demands. This reveals a dual motive often employed by terror outfits: direct acts of violence combined with illicit financial generation to sustain their operations. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Batala, Suhail Qasim Mir, confirmed that multiple teams were tasked to investigate the May 17 incident using a combination of technical and human intelligence, which ultimately led to the tracing and arrest of the six accused involved in the planning, logistics, and financing aspects of the module.
This successful operation in Batala is part of a broader, sustained effort by the Punjab Police, often in coordination with central agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA), to dismantle such networks. It comes in the wake of other significant busts and recoveries in recent months, demonstrating the persistent attempts by Pakistan’s ISI to revive and activate sleeper cells and pro-Khalistan elements within Punjab. These attempts often involve cross-border smuggling of arms, explosives, and funding, alongside the recruitment and radicalization of local youth.
The involvement of foreign-based handlers, particularly those associated with Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and the notorious Harwinder Singh Rinda, highlights the transnational nature of this threat. These handlers exploit various channels, including social media and encrypted communication, to issue instructions, provide financial aid, and even guide the assembly of improvised explosive devices, as evidenced by the faulty grenade in Batala. The ongoing investigations aim to establish further “forward and backward linkages” in this case, meaning uncovering more members, their funding sources, and their broader network of facilitators and sympathizers.
The Punjab Police’s continuous success in foiling these terror plots is critical for maintaining peace and stability in the border state. It sends a strong message to those attempting to disturb communal harmony and revive militancy. The collaboration between different police units, intelligence agencies, and effective utilization of both human and technical intelligence, as highlighted by SSP Mir, are proving instrumental in these crucial counter-terrorism operations. The commitment of the Punjab Police to neutralizing such networks and ensuring public safety remains unwavering in the face of evolving challenges posed by cross-border terrorism.