CHANDIGARH: In a major breakthrough, Punjab Police have foiled a terror module with the recovery of four hand-grenades, one RDX-based two kg IED, besides communication equipment from a village in Batala, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said on Monday.
He said preliminary investigation revealed that the consignment was placed on the directions of UK-based Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist Nishan Singh, alias Nishan Jodia, acting under the instructions of Pakistan-based terrorist Harvinder Singh Rinda, backed by the ISI.
One accused has been arrested, while another is absconding, and efforts are underway to apprehend him, said the DGP.
Investigation is ongoing to expose the entire cross-border conspiracy, added the DGP.
In a related development, the police apprehended four active associates of the Devinder Bambiha gang while they were conspiring to commit a major robbery. They have been identified as Satnam Singh, alias Satti, Gurpreet, alias Guri, Sarm Singh, alias Rinku, and Deepak Singh.
At a checkpoint, the accused opened fire on the police party. “The police overpowered the assailants and arrested them along with their vehicle, ” said the DGP.
Four weapons -- one Zigana pistol, three pistols of .30 and .32 bore, besides cartridges were seized from them.
Satnam Singh is a habitual offender with over 22 previous cases, including murder, attempt to murder, arms and the NDPS Acts. Sarm Singh and Deepak Singh are also linked to the narcotics trade.
The DGP said interrogation of the accused is underway, and more disclosures are expected.