Amritsar. The Amritsar Commissionerate Police timely foiled a major terrorist plot aimed at national security ahead of Independence Day. Police busted two cross-border terrorist modules linked to Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI, and arrested nine suspects. Four minors were among the arrested suspects. Three illegal pistols, nine live cartridges, four petrol bombs, a stolen motorcycle, and other incriminating material were recovered from their possession.
They wanted to target the railway tracks.
Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar stated that the accused were in contact with ISI handlers in Pakistan. On their instructions, surveillance cameras were installed along the Amritsar-Jalandhar railway track, and footage from these cameras was being sent to Pakistan. These cameras were used to monitor train movement and security arrangements. Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused were preparing to target the railway tracks and other sensitive locations after receiving final instructions.
The network was operating at the behest of foreign handlers.
According to police, the terrorist module was recruiting local youth, supplying illegal weapons, and conducting reconnaissance of security installations. Interrogation also revealed that the accused were lured into this conspiracy by handlers based in Pakistan with the promise of money. Financial assistance was also being provided through hawala networks.
How the conspiracy was uncovered.
Based on a tip-off, police first arrested Vansh Kumar and a minor. A .32-bore pistol and cartridges were recovered from them. During interrogation, the name of Anmol Singh alias Sahil, the supplier of the weapons, was revealed, who was later arrested.
During the investigation, it was revealed that payments were made through Paytm for installing cameras near the railway tracks. The role of Sukhdev Singh and Harman Singh alias Hammu, lodged in Central Jail Amritsar, also came to light. They are being interrogated after being arrested on production warrants.
Petrol bombs found with another module.
In another operation, police arrested two minors with a pistol, two petrol bombs, and a lighter. Based on their information, Sukhman Singh and another minor were also arrested, and two more petrol bombs and a .30-bore pistol were recovered from them. Police say this module was preparing to attack security installations with petrol bombs.
Training Received via Video Calls –
Investigation revealed that ISI operatives based in Pakistan were training the accused via video calls on how to make and use petrol bombs. They were also instructed to conduct reconnaissance of police and other security installations and send videos. According to police, most of the module’s members are minors who were lured into terrorist activities by the promise of easy money.
The Network Extended to Delhi –
Interrogation also revealed that the accused were once sent to Jantar Mantar in Delhi. All of them arrived there by train and returned. Police are now investigating the purpose of their trip and whether there was a larger conspiracy behind it.
Investigation into foreign funding and network continues –
Police are now conducting a thorough investigation into the role of foreign handlers, hawala funding, arms supply, and local associates within the entire network. Officials say cameras installed on railway tracks, footage sent to Pakistan, and other digital evidence are also being examined to fully expose the entire terrorist network.