Punjab Police, working with Central agencies, apprehended two individuals allegedly linked to cross-border terror handlers and seized two hand grenades from them, officials said on Tuesday.
The accused have been identified as Davinder Singh and Rajwinder Singh, both residents of Tarn Taran district. Police also seized the Punjab-registered car in which they were travelling.
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said initial probe showed that the two men were in direct contact with handlers based abroad and were following their instructions. He said the recovery of hand grenades suggests a bigger plot to disturb peace and law and order in Punjab.
The DGP added that further investigation is underway to identify other people connected to the network and trace its links.
Sharing details of the operation, Amritsar Rural Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kanwalpreet Singh Chahal said police received specific information that the two accused had collected a consignment of explosive material sent by their cross-border handlers.
According to the SSP, the accused were allegedly planning to carry out a terror-related activity aimed at disrupting peace and harmony in the state.
Acting on the information, police teams led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (Investigation) Gurinderpal Singh Nagra and DSP Attari Yadwinder Singh launched an intelligence-based operation.
The police intercepted the two men in the Khasa area of Amritsar. During the search of their vehicle, officers recovered two hand grenades.
The SSP said the initial investigation indicates that the accused were waiting for further instructions from their foreign-based handlers before carrying out the planned activity.
Chahal said both accused were introduced to the foreign-based handler by Harwant Singh alias Harry, who is currently lodged in Amritsar Jail. He further claimed that the two men had earlier helped smuggle weapons and explosives to people linked to Harwant.
Police have also seized a mobile phone belonging to Harwant from inside Amritsar Jail. A separate case has been registered in connection with the recovery, the SSP said.
Officials said further investigation is underway to uncover the full network and identify everyone involved in the case.
Also read: ED raids multiple locations in Punjab, UP, Delhi-NCR
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