Terrorist threat in Punjab: Explosives recovered in Nawanshahr forest, ISI sleeper cells suspected
PTC Web Desk: In the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, security agencies in Punjab have intensified counter-terror operations. During a major search operation in the forests of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshahr), the Punjab Police recovered two rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), five hand grenades, and a wireless communication set.
The recovery was made after actionable intelligence inputs led the Amritsar-based State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), in coordination with a central agency, to conduct a raid in the forested area along the Tibba Nangal-Kular road. The recovered explosives and equipment were suspected to have been hidden by terrorists for future attacks.
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav confirmed the development on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He revealed that initial investigations suggest that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and its affiliated terrorist organisations were attempting to reactivate dormant sleeper cells within Punjab. He stated that the cache of explosives is a critical link to this broader conspiracy.
The SSOC has registered a case in connection with the incident and assured that the culprits will soon be apprehended.
In a separate incident, the Border Security Force (BSF) apprehended a Pakistani national near the Indo-Pak international border in Thakarpur, Gurdaspur. The man, identified as Husnain from Gujranwala, Pakistan, was found with a Pakistani identification card. During preliminary questioning, he claimed he had crossed the border unknowingly. No suspicious items were recovered from his possession.
The BSF handed him over to Punjab Police for further investigation. Officials stated that every aspect of the case is being examined to rule out any potential security threat or cross-border espionage attempt.
2 Pakistani spies arrested in Amritsar
Just two days prior, the Amritsar Police arrested two suspected Pakistani spies. These individuals were allegedly sharing sensitive military and strategic information with Pakistan’s ISI, including photos, videos, and location data of military movements in border areas. The information was transmitted through WhatsApp and other digital platforms.
The suspects were found to be connected to Harpreet Singh alias Pittu alias Happy, currently lodged in an Amritsar jail. The arrested individuals were identified as Palak Sher Masih and Suraj Masih. The police recovered mobile phones, SIM cards, cash, and incriminating documents from their possession. Investigations revealed that they were lured into espionage with financial incentives, receiving between Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 per image shared.
Last week, a private cobbler working in the Bathinda cantonment area was arrested on suspicion of spying. Identified as Sunil Kumar (26), a resident of Samastipur, Bihar, he was found to have been chatting with a suspected Pakistani female operative. Authorities suspect he may have been targeted through a honey-trap operation.
A case has been registered against him under Section 52 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), pertaining to conspiracy. However, police officials have cautioned against prematurely calling him a spy, stating that investigations are still ongoing.
- PTC NEWS
