Thwarted Terrorist Scheme Led by ISI: 5 Members of Babbar Khalsa Group from Pakistan Arrested by Punjab Police
In a significant development, the Punjab Police has successfully foiled a major terror plot by the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) ahead of India's Independence Day. The operation resulted in the dismantling of a BKI module and the arrest of several operatives.
Foreign-led Terror Network
The BKI module was operated by three foreign-based handlers - Mannu Agwan, Gopi Nawashehria, and Zeeshan Akhtar, with operational control by Harwinder Singh alias Rinda, a Pakistan-based BKI operative. The network's activities suggest direct involvement of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) through the BKI network.
Planned Attacks and Seized Weapons
The module was responsible for a grenade attack on a liquor store in Nawanshahr on August 7, 2025, and had plans for further attacks around Independence Day. During the operation, Punjab Police seized a grenade, a prohibited .30 caliber pistol, and ammunition from the suspects.
Intelligence-led Operation
The Punjab Police's Counter Intelligence unit was successful in quickly unraveling the network, preventing potential attacks ordered by these foreign handlers. The recovered Chinese Type 86P grenade and firearm underline the intent for lethal violence. The arrests followed intelligence-led operations in Punjab and included linkages to suspects in other Indian states such as Rajasthan and West Bengal.
Anti-Drone Systems Deployment
It's worth noting that Punjab became the first state in the country to deploy anti-drone systems at the international border to curb drone-based smuggling activities. On August 9, the Punjab CM launched the 'Baj Akh'- Anti Drone System (ADS) at Tarn Taran.
Commitment to Peace and Public Safety
The Punjab Police remains committed to neutralising terror networks and ensuring peace and public safety in the state. An FIR has been registered at PS City Nawashehar, SBS Nagar under relevant sections of the BNS and the Explosive Substances Act.
Injuries and Recovered Evidence
One individual was injured in an exchange of fire during the operation. The injured individual is currently admitted to Civil Hospital, SBS Nagar. The recovered evidence includes one 86P hand grenade, one .30 bore pistol, along with two live cartridges and two empty shells of .30 bore.
The anti-drone system will give a strong response to drug smugglers from across the border, further enhancing the state's security measures. The total cost of these anti-drone units in Punjab is approximately Rs 51.4 crore.
[1] Punjab Police Press Release [2] The Indian Express [3] Hindustan Times [4] Punjab Kesari
- The intel-led operation by the Punjab Police reveals a significant war-and-conflicts connection, as the dismantled BKI module had foreign-based handlers and seems to have direct policy-and-legislation implications due to potential Pakistan ISI involvement.
- In the general-news sphere, the thwarted terror plot and the subsequent seizure of weapons highlight the importance of crime-and-justice issues, as the BKI network was responsible for past attacks and had plans for more, necessitating the deployment of anti-drone systems for enhanced public safety.
