Chandigarh– In a significant counterterrorism breakthrough, Punjab Police have dismantled a Pakistan-backed terror module linked to Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), arresting six suspects involved in an attempted grenade attack in Batala. The group was allegedly operating under the direction of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and foreign-based handlers, officials said Tuesday.
The arrests follow an incident on May 17, when assailants riding motorcycles hurled a hand grenade outside a liquor store in Batala’s Focal Point area. The device failed to explode due to faulty assembly, averting what could have been a major tragedy.
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav confirmed the arrests, stating that the suspects were acting on instructions from Portugal-based operative Maninder Billa and BKI mastermind Mannu Agwan. Agwan reportedly took over operational responsibilities after the recent arrest of Happy Passian in the United States.
“The intent was to create panic among liquor contractors and pave the way for extortion demands,” said DGP Yadav. “Their goal was not just disruption but to spread fear and instability under foreign direction.”
The six arrested individuals have been identified as Jatin Kumar alias Rohan, Barinder Singh alias Sajan, Abraham alias Rohit, Sunil Kumar, Rahul Masih, and Sohit—all residents of Batala. During the arrests, police also recovered a .30 bore pistol from the suspects.
Batala’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Suhail Qasim Mir provided additional details about the operation. Following the failed grenade attack, multiple police teams launched an investigation using both technical surveillance and human intelligence. Their efforts led to the swift apprehension of the entire module, which included operatives involved in execution, logistics, and financing.
SSP Mir revealed that Jatin Kumar, believed to be the main attacker, sustained gunshot wounds during an exchange of fire with police while being escorted to recover a hidden weapon. According to police, Jatin opened fire in an attempt to escape. He was later taken to a local civil hospital for treatment.
Investigators believe the grenade used in the attempted attack was assembled by the suspects with no formal training, based on instructions provided through a video call by Maninder Billa and an unidentified associate. The lack of technical expertise resulted in a faulty device that ultimately failed to detonate.
Authorities say the dismantling of the module is part of a broader effort to crack down on transnational terror networks targeting India with support from Pakistan-based operatives. The investigation is ongoing, with officials working to uncover further links and prevent similar plots in the region. (Source: IANS)
