Punjab police foils high-impact ISI-BKI plot

On Sunday, Punjab Police carried out an intelligence-based operation in Jalandhar, breaking up an ISI-backed Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror group. They arrested a key local member and found a fully assembled Improvised Explosive Device with 1.3 kg of high explosive, iron shrapnel, and steel ball bearings. The joint effort by Counter Intelligence Jalandhar and Jalandhar Rural Police stopped the plot before the device could be used.

Punjab Police officials said the IED was ready to use and built to cause as many casualties as possible in a public area. They confirmed it was meant for a major attack to disrupt peace and spread panic.

Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said, “In a breakthrough against cross-border terror networks, Counter Intelligence Jalandhar, in a joint operation with Jalandhar Rural Police, busts an ISI-sponsored BKI terror module operated by foreign-based handlers and arrests a key operative from Jalandhar. The operation resulted in the recovery of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) with 1.3 kg of high explosive, shrapnel, and ball bearings. This showed plans for a major attack to disturb public peace. The quick action prevented a serious terror threat and protected innocent lives.”

Police have not yet shared the name of the arrested operative, but they say he was a key local link in the foreign-run network. He was caught in Jalandhar district during the raid. An FIR has been filed at Patara police station in Jalandhar Rural under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Explosive Substances Act, and the Arms Act. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full scope of the terror network, including foreign handlers, local support, and all connections.

This is the latest in a series of quick successes against cross-border groups.

Just five days ago, on July 21, Moga Police arrested 17 people linked to a UK-based handler and found an IED meant for a Ferozepur-Jammu passenger train. Earlier in July, Counter Intelligence Amritsar seized six hand grenades and 12 pistols from another ISI-backed arms-smuggling group.

These actions show ongoing efforts by Pakistan’s ISI and its BKI partners to radicalise local youth and send explosives into Punjab using overseas handlers. Security agencies say BKI groups usually work remotely, with foreign handlers giving instructions through encrypted apps, arranging explosives, and choosing targets. Local operatives manage logistics and placement. The way shrapnel and ball bearings were packed in Sunday’s IED is similar to earlier BKI devices found in the state, which are made to cause maximum harm in crowded places. Police are questioning the arrested man about where the explosives came from, the intended target, and which overseas handlers were involved. Officials expect more arrests and recoveries as they follow digital and financial leads.

DGP Yadav reiterated that the Punjab Police is fully committed to dismantling terror networks, combating organised crime, and keeping the state safe. By stopping a dangerous device and arresting a key suspect, the police have shown how effective proactive, intelligence-based policing can be in preventing violence in Punjab. More information about the wider network is expected as the investigation continues.