Punjab Police busts ISI-backed BKI terror module, grenade recovered

CHANDIGARH, Aug 10: Punjab Police has busted an alleged ISI-sponsored Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror module with the arrest of a key operative and recovery of an 86-P hand grenade, foiling a planned attack, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said on Monday.

The operation was conducted by the Counter Intelligence unit in Jalandhar in coordination with SBS Nagar Police. The arrested operative allegedly procured the grenade from Jalandhar on the directions of foreign-based handlers, the DGP said.

“In a major breakthrough against cross-border terror networks,” Counter Intelligence Jalandhar, in a joint operation with SBS Nagar Police, busted the alleged ISI-sponsored BKI module operated by foreign-based handlers, Yadav said in a post on X.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused had allegedly obtained the grenade from a Dead Letter Box (DLB) near Adampur in Jalandhar, following instructions from handlers based abroad, the DGP said.

A Dead Letter Box is a covert communication and logistics method used by terrorists, handlers and organised crime networks to exchange instructions, money or weapons without direct contact between individuals.

An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Explosive Substances Act, Yadav said.

He said further investigation was underway to uncover the complete terror network, including its foreign-based handlers, local support structure and forward and backward linkages.

The police operation comes amid continued efforts by security agencies to dismantle cross-border terror networks and prevent planned attacks in the state. (Agencies)