Amritsar Police bust ISI-backed terror module; four juveniles among nine arrested, arms recovered
PTC News Desk: The Amritsar Commissionerate Police busted a terror module allegedly backed by Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI. Nine people, including four juveniles, have been arrested in the operation.
Police also recovered three illegal pistols, nine live cartridges and four petrol-filled bottles that were allegedly meant to be used as crude bombs.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the accused were in contact with ISI handlers based abroad and were allegedly acting on their instructions. According to police, the youths were being recruited and trained for terrorist activities. They were assigned tasks such as conducting surveillance of security installations, arranging illegal weapons and carrying out activities aimed at disturbing peace and law and order in Punjab.
CCTV cameras installed near railway tracks
During the investigation, police made another significant discovery. The accused had allegedly installed CCTV cameras near railway tracks to monitor movement in the area. The recorded footage was reportedly sent to ISI handlers abroad to help them keep watch on sensitive locations.
Separate FIRs have been registered at Mohkampura, Airport and C-Division police stations in Amritsar. Police said they are investigating the entire network, including identifying other members, tracing their contacts, examining funding sources and looking into financial support allegedly received from abroad.
Probe into wider terror links
Investigators are also trying to determine whether the arrested accused were involved in any other terror plots or incidents. The Amritsar Commissionerate Police said strict action would be taken against anyone found trying to threaten the state's security.
CCTV camera found on railway OHE pole
About a month ago, a CCTV camera was found installed on an overhead electrification (OHE) pole along the Amritsar-Delhi railway track. A solar panel had also been fitted to power the camera. During the investigation, police recovered a SIM card from the camera, which was registered in the name of Gurdev. Based on this lead, Gurdev was arrested.
- With inputs from agencies
