Amritsar: Punjab Police have foiled two separate terror-related plots in Amritsar, arresting two men and recovering an RDX-based improvised explosive device (IED) and two hand grenades in intelligence-led operations linked to Pakistan-based handlers.
In the first operation, the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar, arrested Rahul Kumar alias Gaju, a resident of Chamrang Road who works as a salon assistant, and seized an RDX-based IED concealed inside a PVC pipe casing, allegedly to evade detection.
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said preliminary investigations revealed that the accused was in contact with a foreign-based handler acting on instructions from Pakistan-based operatives. Acting on directions received through encrypted mobile applications, Rahul allegedly retrieved the explosive consignment from a designated location on the outskirts of the city. Police are investigating the intended target and purpose of the IED.
AIG SSOC Amritsar Sukhminder Singh Mann said the handler had initially established contact with the accused during a visit to Punjab in 2022 and later cultivated him by providing small sums of money before assigning him the task. Further investigation is underway.
An FIR has been registered at Police Station SSOC Amritsar under Sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act, Section 25 of the Arms Act, and Sections 111 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
In a separate operation, Amritsar Rural Police, in coordination with central agencies, arrested Sukhmanpreet Singh, son of Harjit Singh and a resident of village Chak Misri Khan, and recovered two hand grenades from his possession.
DIG Border Range Sandeep Goyal said the arrest was made on February 8 following credible intelligence inputs. SSP Amritsar Rural Sohail Mir said a case has been registered at Lopoke police station under relevant provisions of the Explosive Substances Act.
Preliminary findings, supported by technical and field intelligence, suggest the explosives were smuggled across the international border using a drone, pointing to a wider cross-border network linked to Pakistan-based handlers. During custodial interrogation, the accused allegedly disclosed the involvement of other conspirators, prompting police teams to conduct raids to make further arrests.
Officials said investigations in both cases are ongoing and further recoveries and disclosures are likely. (Agencies)
