In a meticulously coordinated operation that underscored growing inter-state collaboration against terror networks, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh Police have successfully neutralized three key operatives of the Pakistan-ISI-backed Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF). The operation followed an encounter in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, early Monday, confirmed Punjab's Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav.
 
The terrorists, identified as Varinder Singh alias Ravi, Gurwinder Singh, and Jashanpreet Singh alias Partap Singh, were implicated in a grenade attack at the Bakshiwala Police Post in Gurdaspur, Punjab, on December 18, 2024. The attack, which had sparked fears of escalating violence, was later claimed by KZF through social media.
 
Acting swiftly, Punjab Police shared critical intelligence with their UP counterparts, leading to the joint operation that culminated in Monday’s encounter.

The encounter occurred in the jurisdiction of Police Station Puranpur, Pilibhit, after the accused opened fire at the joint police team. Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Border Range, Satinder Singh said that the suspects had been tracked to Pilibhit based on reliable intelligence. Confronted by police, they retaliated with gunfire, prompting the security forces to respond. All three suspects sustained bullet injuries and were rushed to a local community health center, where they succumbed to their wounds. 
 
From the site, authorities recovered two AK-47 rifles and two Glock pistols. Investigations suggested that the module was being orchestrated by Ranjeet Singh Nita, a Pakistan-based KZF chief, with operational support from Greece-based Jaswinder Singh Mannu. Notably, UK-based Jagjeet Singh, reportedly working under the alias Fateh Singh Baghi and linked to the British Army, was the mastermind behind the December 18 grenade attack.
 
 Neutralized Operatives 

Varinder Singh alias Ravi — a resident of Agwan village in Kalanaur — emerged as the mastermind of the module. Known for his connections with Jagjeet Singh, Ravi played a pivotal role in executing the terror plans. Despite having no prior criminal record, Ravi's involvement in KZF activities was a calculated leap into terror under financial lure. He was the primary breadwinner for his family, which includes five sisters and two brothers. Following the encounter, his house was found locked, with neighbours revealing that his family had disappeared. 
 
Jashanpreet Singh alias Partap Singh — the youngest member of the module hailed from Kalanaur and came from a poor family dependent on daily wages. Married just three months ago, Jashanpreet left home on December 17 under the pretext of seeking work but never returned. His grieving mother, Parmjeet Kaur, and wife, Gurpreet Kaur, vehemently denied his involvement in terrorism, citing his limited education and lack of exposure to such activities. 
 
Gurwinder Singh was adopted by his aunt and uncle in Rahimabad, and had a troubled past, including a murder case that left him on bail. A 12th-grade graduate, he had recently distanced himself from his adoptive parents and was residing alone in Kalanaur. His family expressed shock at his involvement, with his adoptive mother, Sarabjeet Kaur, claiming that he had left home days before the encounter.
 
While the police termed the operation a major success, the families of the neutralized terrorists remain in denial. Jashanpreet’s mother argued that her son was incapable of such activities, while Gurwinder’s family pointed to his troubled past but refuted allegations of recent involvement in terrorism. Ravi’s family remains untraceable, leaving questions about their possible knowledge of his activities.
 
The Bigger Picture 

The operation highlighted the pervasive influence of international networks in local terror activities. Ravi, under the guidance of Jagjeet Singh, coordinated the module’s operations and facilitated financial and logistical support. Jagjeet, who reportedly uses a fake identity in the UK, has been linked to the financing of similar terror modules, further emphasizing the need for global cooperation in countering terrorism.
 
DGP Yadav lauded the operation as a “classic example of inter-state police cooperation”. He emphasized that Punjab Police's swift sharing of intelligence with UP authorities was instrumental in neutralizing the threat. “This operation is a testament to the capability of our forces to work together and protect citizens from the menace of terrorism,” he added.
 
The Gurdaspur police have registered an FIR under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Explosive Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Harish Dayama confirmed that investigations are underway to uncover further links and apprehend additional members of the module. “More arrests and recoveries are likely in the coming days,” he said.