2 BKI modules linked to ultras based in France, Greece busted
The Punjab Police have busted two ISI-backed terror modules of the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) with the arrest of 13 suspects, including a minor, and seizure of a huge cache of arms and ammunition.
The operatives involved in the twin modules — dismantled by the Counter Intelligence (CI) team of Jalandhar and Batala police in two separate operations — had links with France-based Satnam Singh, alias Satta, and Greece-based Jaswinder Singh, alias Mannu Agwan, said DGP Gaurav Yadav on Saturday.
This is the first time that terror links have been traced to operatives based in France and Greece. The modules busted in the past have been linked to terrorists based in Canada, the US or Pakistan.
Two rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), including a launcher, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) weighing 2.5 kg each, two hand grenades with detonators, 2 kg RDX with a remote control, five pistols, six magazines, 44 live cartridges, a wireless set and three vehicles were seized from the suspects, the DGP said.
“Sponsored by Pakistan intelligence agency ISI, these terror modules were being controlled by BKI operatives in France and Greece,” said the DGP, adding that they were involved in past operations.
Satta had been booked by the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) in Amritsar along with three others in 2010 after the recovery of IED and RDX from their possession. His name had also figured alongside Narain S Chaura, who had recently opened fire at SAD chief Sukhbir Badal, Rattandeep, who was gunned down in Nawanshahr last year, and Pala France in a 2013-14 case.
“The IEDs were in the form of sticky bombs that could be used to target vehicles,” said AIG CI Jalandhar Navjot Singh Mahal.
Mahal said in the first operation involving Satta, police teams arrested Jagroop Singh of Basti Amritsarian in Hoshiarpur; Jatinder Singh, alias Honey, of Daburji in Kapurthala; and Harpreet Singh of Dharamkot in Hoshiarpur, while carrying arms and explosives on a bike near Lamma Pind Chowk in Jalandhar.
Batala SSP Suhail Qasim Mir said police teams separately arrested nine persons, including a 17-year-old juvenile, in a week-long operation. They included Pawanpreet Singh; Balbir Kumar, alias Varun; Gomji, alias Gotta; Gurpreet Singh, alias Gopi; Ajaypal Singh; Rahul, alias Bhaia; and Johanson, all residents of Batala, and Jatinder, a resident of Kapurthala.
Two FIRs had been registered under the relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosives Act in Amritsar and Batala.
Punjab