Chandigarh: In a major intelligence-led operation, Punjab Police, with the support of Central agencies, has secured the deportation of two wanted operatives linked to the banned Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) from Malaysia, marking a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle transnational terror networks targeting Punjab.
The accused, identified as Gurwinder Singh of Ambala and Manjeet Singh of Patiala, were apprehended by Punjab Police at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi upon their arrival from Malaysia and were subsequently brought to Punjab for further investigation.
According to Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, the duo acted as key Malaysia-based operatives of a KZF-backed terror module allegedly involved in targeting critical railway infrastructure, including Dedicated Freight Corridor lines in Punjab.
Investigators said the accused were instrumental in channelising terror funds through offshore accounts to KZF operatives in Punjab, facilitating plans to carry out attacks aimed at disturbing peace and public order in the state.
The deportations stem from investigations into the January 23 IED blast on the Sirhind railway track and an attempted explosion on the same route at Shambhu in Patiala on April 27. Punjab Police had earlier arrested four alleged members of the module and recovered an RPG launcher, IEDs, RDX, hand grenades, and high-end pistols during the operation.
Police said both accused have been produced before a court in Patiala and remanded to police custody for further interrogation. Investigations are underway to trace the wider network and identify other individuals involved in the conspiracy.
Punjab Police has also established the Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC) under the Counter Intelligence wing to expedite the return of fugitives operating from abroad and bring them to face legal action in Punjab.
