Punjab Police arrests member of Babbar Khalsa International-backed terror module

Chandigarh (Punjab) [India] July 18 : In an intelligence-based operation, Punjab Police averted possible target killings with the arrest of a member of the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI)-backed terror module, the police said on Thursday.
The Director General of Police (DGP) of Punjab Police posted on X about a significant operation that averted potential target killings.
The State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) in Amritsar arrested a member of a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI)-backed terror module, including operatives Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia and Resham Singh.
They were involved in illegal activities directed by their foreign handlers.
The police recovered a pistol, two magazines, nine live bullets, and one empty bullet shell.
The Punjab Police reiterated their commitment to eradicating terror and organized crime under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann
DGP Punjab's official 'X' handle (@DGPPunjabPolice) on Thursday morning read: "In an intelligence-based operation, Punjab Police averts possible target killings with the arrest of a member of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI)-backed terror module. The State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Amritsar, has apprehended an operative of USA-based terrorist Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia and Italy-based associate Resham Singh from Amritsar. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the accused were carrying out illegal activities on the directions of their foreign-based handlers. Recovery: 1 pistol, 2 magazines, 9 live bullets & 1 empty bullet shell. @PunjabPoliceInd is fully committed to eradicate terror and organized crime as per directions of Hon'ble CM @BhagwantMann."
Earlier on Wednesday, the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab, in a joint operation with Rajasthan Police and Bathinda Police, arrested three associates of the Lawrence Bishnoi and USA-based Goldy Brar Gang. DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav identified the arrested individuals as Gurpreet Singh of Bhikhi in Mansa, Maninder Singh alias Munshi of Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda, and Harcharanjit Singh of Bir Khurd in Mansa.
The accused, with a history of crimes including murder, attempt to murder, and violations of the Arms Act and NDPS Act, were found in possession of two .32 caliber pistols and six cartridges.
DGP Yadav elaborated that AGTF teams, supervised by ADGP Promod Ban and led by AIG Sandeep Goel and DSP Rajan Parminder, apprehended Harcharanjit Singh with the support of Rajasthan Police. During interrogation, Harcharanjit disclosed his affiliation with gangster Manpreet Singh alias Manna, currently imprisoned in Ropar Jail. Following his disclosure, police teams arrested Gurpreet and Maninder from Mansa Road in Bathinda. A case FIR no 72 under section 25 of the Arms Act has been registered at Police Station Maur in Bathinda.
In another significant development, Punjab Police busted a Pakistan-backed drug smuggling racket, arresting Gurmukh Singh and Jagwant Singh from the Tarn Taran district.
The police recovered 7 kg of heroin, five pistols including four 9MM Glock pistols and one .32 bore pistol, five live cartridges, and five magazines from the accused. DGP Yadav stated that the operation was part of the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe state, as envisioned by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Acting on secret information, police teams from Amritsar Rural arrested the smugglers at a special Naka near village Muhawa in Gharinda and subsequently recovered the heroin based on their disclosures. A case FIR no. 170 dated 16/7/2024 has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act and sections 21, 25, and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Gharinda in Amritsar Rural. Investigations are ongoing to trace the backward and forward linkages of this smuggling network.