Punjab Police crack ISI-backed BKI module, key operative held

New Delhi: In a breakthrough against cross-border terror networks, Punjab Police on Sunday said it has busted an ISI-sponsored Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror module allegedly operated by handlers based abroad and arrested a key operative from Jalandhar. BKI has been banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) by the union home ministry, and several of its militants have been designated as terrorists in the past.

In a post on X, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said, "The operation led to the recovery of an improvised explosive device (IED) packed with 1.3 kg of high explosive, along with shrapnel and ball bearings, indicating preparations for a high-impact attack aimed at disturbing public peace. This swift and timely action has successfully averted a major terror threat and safeguarded innocent lives."

An FIR has been registered under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Explosive Substances Act and the Arms Act. Further investigations are underway to establish the full terror network, including foreign handlers, local support networks, and all forward and backward linkages involved in the conspiracy, Yadav said in the post.