Punjab Police foil targeted killing plot in Ludhiana; 2 KCF-linked accused arrested, 9mm pistol seized
PTC Web Desk: In a major intelligence-led operation aimed at strengthening law and order in Punjab, the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), SAS Nagar, in coordination with Counter Intelligence (CI) Ludhiana, has arrested two Ludhiana-based men who were allegedly planning a targeted killing on the instructions of foreign-based handlers.
DGP, Punjab, Gaurav Yadav said a 9mm pistol along with five live cartridges was recovered during the operation.
The arrested accused have been identified as Karanbir Singh, a resident of Haibowal Kalan, Ludhiana, and Avtar Singh, a resident of New Shimlapuri, Millerganj, Ludhiana. Avtar Singh has a criminal history, with multiple cases registered against him under the Arms Act and the IPC.
According to the DGP, preliminary investigations revealed that the accused were in contact with handlers based in the UK and Germany, linked to the Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) and associated with hardline extremist ideology. Acting on their directions, the accused had conducted reconnaissance of government buildings and prominent offices in Ludhiana as part of the conspiracy.
The investigation has further indicated that the duo was also tasked with collecting inputs and carrying out groundwork related to other identified individuals.
Sharing operational details, AIG SSOC SAS Nagar D. Sudarvizhi said that based on credible intelligence inputs, a joint team of SSOC SAS Nagar and CI Ludhiana carried out a targeted operation and arrested both accused from Ludhiana. The 9mm pistol and live cartridges were recovered following the disclosure statement of Avtar Singh.
She added the accused were allegedly radicalised and recruited by their foreign-based handlers and were also directed to circulate extremist content on social media platforms. Further investigations are underway to establish both forward and backward linkages in the case.
A case has been registered under Sections 113(5) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station SSOC, SAS Nagar.
- PTC NEWS
