Batala Police Bust Pak-ISI Backed BKI Terror Module Behind Attempted Grenade Attack, Arrest Six Operatives
Chandigarh/Batala,, May 20
Major Breakthrough in Counter-Terrorism
In a significant achievement aligned with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision to ensure a safe and secure Punjab, Batala Police dismantled a Pakistan ISI-backed Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror module on May 20, 2025. The module, operated by foreign handlers Maninder Billa and Mannu Agwan under the direction of terrorist Harwinder Singh Rinda, was responsible for an attempted grenade attack outside a liquor vend in Batala. Six operatives were arrested, as announced by Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav.
Details of the Incident
On May 17, 2025, unidentified bike-borne individuals lobbed a hand grenade at a liquor vend in the Focal Point area of Batala. The grenade failed to detonate due to faulty assembly, averting a potential disaster.
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Arrests and Recoveries
The arrested operatives were identified as:
- Jatin Kumar alias Rohan, Barinder Singh alias Sajan, Abraham alias Rohit, and Sunil Kumar, all residents of Shukarpura, Batala
- Rahul Masih of Harnam Nagar, Batala
- Sohit of Qila Des Raj, Batala
Police recovered a .30 bore pistol from their possession, providing crucial evidence in the investigation.
Foreign Handlers and Extortion Motive
DGP Gaurav Yadav revealed that the module was directly instructed by Portugal-based Maninder Billa and BKI mastermind Mannu Agwan, who recently took operational control following the arrest of Happy Passian in the USA. Preliminary investigations indicate that the foreign handlers directed the operatives to target a liquor vend to instill fear among contractors, creating an environment conducive to extortion demands. Further probes are underway to uncover the module’s forward and backward linkages.
Operation Details and Encounter
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Batala Suhail Qasim Mir shared that the investigation was launched immediately after the attempted attack, utilizing technical and human intelligence inputs. Within a record time, police identified and arrested the six operatives involved in the attack, logistics, and financing.
During the operation, Jatin Kumar alias Rohan, the main executor of the attack, sustained bullet injuries in an exchange of fire with the police while being taken for weapon recovery. In an attempt to escape, Jatin opened fire on the police team, prompting retaliatory fire. He was injured and subsequently admitted to the local Civil Hospital in Batala for treatment.
Faulty Grenade Assembly
The SSP disclosed that the grenade was assembled by the operatives based on instructions received via a video call from Maninder Billa and an unidentified individual. Lacking technical expertise, the accused assembled the grenade incorrectly, which led to its failure to detonate.
Legal Action
A First Information Report (FIR No. 148, dated May 17, 2025) was initially registered under Sections 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act at Police Station Civil Lines, Batala. Subsequently, additional charges were added, including Sections 111 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 18-B, and 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), reflecting the gravity of the terror-related offense.
Strengthening Punjab’s Security Framework
This operation underscores the Punjab Police’s proactive approach in combating terrorism and ensuring public safety. The busting of this ISI-backed terror module highlights the state’s commitment to countering external threats and dismantling networks that aim to destabilize the region. Ongoing investigations are expected to reveal more about the module’s operations and potential links to other terror activities.
