Foreign-based handlers allegedly directed procurement of explosive; probe launched to uncover wider terror network
CHANDIGARH/SBS NAGAR, August 10: Punjab Police has foiled a suspected terror attack with the arrest of an alleged operative of an ISI-sponsored Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) module and the recovery of an 86-P hand grenade, officials said on Monday.
The operation was carried out jointly by Counter Intelligence (CI), Jalandhar, and SBS Nagar Police as part of the state’s ongoing drive to strengthen security and counter cross-border terror networks, undertaken under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav identified the arrested accused as Lakhwinder Singh alias Jola, a resident of Bairsian village in SBS Nagar.
According to preliminary investigation, Lakhwinder allegedly procured a consignment containing a hand grenade from a Dead Letter Box (DLB) near Adampur in Jalandhar, acting on the directions of foreign-based handlers.
Acting on reliable intelligence inputs, police teams swiftly traced and arrested Lakhwinder from the SBS Nagar area. Following his disclosure, an 86-P hand grenade was recovered from Bairsian village, the DGP said.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said the timely intervention by Punjab Police had successfully thwarted the planned attack. He added that further investigation was underway to uncover the complete terror network, including its foreign-based handlers, local support system and forward and backward linkages.
A case, FIR No. 124 dated August 9, 2026, has been registered at Police Station Sadar Nawanshahr under Sections 113(1) and 113(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act.
The investigation is continuing to establish the wider network and identify all those involved.
