In a decisive display of inter-state cooperation, Punjab Police, in collaboration with their Uttar Pradesh counterparts, successfully neutralized three suspected terrorists affiliated with the Pakistan ISI-sponsored Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF). The operation culminated in the fatal encounter on Tuesday in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, targeting individuals responsible for the grenade attack at the Bakhshiwala police post in Kalanaur, Gurdaspur, on December 18.
The Bakhshiwala incident was among eight coordinated blasts that have plagued Punjab since late November. Earlier investigations led to the arrest of six members from two modules of the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), implicated in five of these attacks. Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav detailed that the encounter unfolded within the jurisdiction of the Puranpur police station when the trio engaged a joint team from Pilibhit and Punjab Police with gunfire.
Yadav identified the deceased as Varinder Singh, alias Ravi; Gurwinder Singh; and Jashanpreet Singh, alias Partap Singh, all residents of Kalanaur, Gurdaspur. The suspects were apprehended in possession of two AK-47 rifles and two 9 mm Glock pistols, recovered by the authorities during the operation.
Further investigations revealed that the terror cell was orchestrated by Ranjeet Singh Nita, the KZF chief based in Pakistan, and executed by Jaswinder Singh Mannu, alias Mannu Baagi, operating from Greece. The module leader, Varinder Singh, was found to be under the influence of Jagjeet Singh, alias Fateh Singh Baagi, a British Army officer residing in the UK.
“Information shared promptly between Punjab and Uttar Pradesh Police enabled us to conduct a swift and effective joint operation,” stated DGP Yadav. DIG Satinder Singh of the Border Range, Punjab, added that the suspects initiated the gunfight upon confrontation, resulting in their injuries and subsequent demise at CHC Puranpur.
Gurdaspur SSP Harish Dayama confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with expectations of further arrests and the recovery of additional incriminating evidence in the coming days. The operation underscores the critical importance of collaborative efforts between state law enforcement agencies in combating cross-border terrorism and maintaining regional security.
