Punjab Police has claimed to have thwarted a major cross-border terror conspiracy by dismantling two alleged Pakistan-backed terror modules and arresting nine suspects, including four juveniles. According to senior police officials, the modules were allegedly operating under the guidance of handlers linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and were involved in reconnaissance of security establishments, illegal arms procurement, and plans to target uniformed personnel. Investigators also revealed that one of the modules had allegedly planned an attack at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, although the operation was never carried out.
Nine Arrested in Coordinated Counter-Terror Operation
The operation was conducted by Punjab Police following intelligence inputs and surveillance. Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said the crackdown resulted in the arrest of nine individuals, including four minors allegedly recruited by foreign handlers.
Police recovered three illegal pistols, nine live cartridges, and four petrol bomb bottles during the raids. Officials believe the accused had been assigned different responsibilities ranging from reconnaissance and logistics to preparing for future attacks.
Jantar Mantar Allegedly Chosen as Target
During preliminary interrogation, investigators reportedly learned that one of the terror modules had travelled to Delhi by train and allegedly received materials for preparing petrol bombs. Police claim the group had planned to carry out an attack around the Jantar Mantar area but failed to execute the plan due to unspecified reasons.
Officials said the suspects had allegedly been instructed by their foreign handlers to identify crowded locations and create panic by targeting security personnel or public places. The investigation is continuing to verify every aspect of the alleged conspiracy.
Reconnaissance of Security Installations
Punjab Police also disclosed that members of the modules had been collecting videos and photographs of police stations and other security infrastructure. According to investigators, surveillance cameras were installed near railway tracks to record movement in sensitive areas.
The footage was allegedly transmitted to handlers based outside India using digital communication platforms. Authorities suspect that these reconnaissance activities were intended to assist future terror operations.
Foreign Handlers Allegedly Directed Recruitment
Investigators believe the accused were recruited through social media and encrypted communication channels. Police allege that ISI-linked handlers persuaded young individuals with promises of financial rewards and gradually involved them in reconnaissance and terror-related assignments.
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Officials expressed concern over the alleged recruitment of juveniles, stating that vulnerable youth were being targeted and radicalised for operational roles. Police are examining digital evidence, financial transactions, and communication records to identify additional members of the network.
Recovery of Weapons and Explosives Raises Security Concerns
The seizure of firearms, ammunition, and petrol bombs has prompted security agencies to intensify vigilance, especially ahead of national events. Investigators believe the recovered material indicates preparations for disruptive activities intended to create fear and disturb public order.
Police said forensic examination of the seized items is underway, while intelligence agencies are working to trace the origin of the weapons and identify supply routes allegedly linked to cross-border networks.
Investigation Expands Across States
Punjab Police has indicated that the investigation is expanding beyond Punjab to identify additional conspirators, facilitators, and financial supporters. Coordination with central intelligence agencies and other state police forces is ongoing to establish the full extent of the alleged network.
Authorities are also analysing electronic devices recovered during the operation to uncover communication with foreign handlers and determine whether similar modules are active elsewhere in the country.
Security Agencies on High Alert
The latest arrests come amid heightened security concerns over cross-border terror activities. Law enforcement agencies have increased monitoring of vulnerable locations, transportation networks, and sensitive installations to prevent any potential attacks.
Officials have reiterated that investigations are continuing and that further arrests cannot be ruled out as evidence is examined. The case highlights ongoing efforts by security agencies to detect and dismantle alleged terror networks before planned attacks can be carried out.
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