Ludhiana, India – In a significant development, two suspected members of an ISI-backed terror module sustained injuries during a police encounter in Ludhiana. The incident occurred following an intelligence operation, during which the suspects allegedly opened fire on law enforcement.
The arrests and subsequent investigations have uncovered a network with international links, revealing a conspiracy to carry out grenade attacks in crowded areas with the aim of fomenting unrest in Punjab. Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused were in contact with Pakistan-based handlers through three operatives based in Malaysia to coordinate the pickup and delivery of a hand grenade.
The police operation, which led to the apprehension of ten operatives, including couriers and facilitators, exposed the intricate web of connections between local elements and foreign handlers. Those arrested have been identified as Kuldeep Singh, Shekhar Singh, and Ajay Singh alias Ajay, all residents of Muktsar.
The Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, stated that the Ludhiana Commissionerate Police had successfully neutralized a Pakistan-based ISI-backed module with the arrest of ten operatives linked to foreign handlers.
Authorities have also charged three others: his absconded aide, Shekhar, and the two incarcerated co-conspirators, Ramneek Singh 'Amreek' and Parwinder Singh 'Chidi', both of Muktsar. Another associate, Ajay, was also booked.
The investigation has revealed that the ISI handler initially approached Ajay to arrange two men for the task; however, he could not arrange people.
During the operation, police recovered a Chinese-made hand grenade, a black kit, and a pair of gloves from the arrested individuals. The suspects were allegedly planning to carry out an attack in a populated area to create unrest in the state.
Ludhiana City Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma, stated that Red Corner Notices (RCNs) were being issued against “three foreign-based masterminds” believed to be in Malaysia, and having alleged links with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). They have been identified as: Ajay alias Ajay Malaysia, native of Rajasthan, Jass Behbal, and Pawandeep, also a native of Rajasthan.
The police investigation is ongoing to uncover the full network and its linkages. Authorities are actively working to track down the absconded suspects, Shekhar and Ajay. The case has been registered under sections of the Explosives Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which addresses terrorist acts. The Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) was also added to the FIR.
