ISI-backed cross-border terror module busted, 1 held with 4 grenades in Asr
April 16, 2026
Amritsar: The Counter Intelligence Wing of Punjab Police claimed to have busted an ISI-backed cross-border terror module with the arrest of one accuse.
In a significant counter-terrorism operation, Punjab Police have dismantled a cross-border terror module with suspected links to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The operation, conducted jointly by the State Special Operations Cells of Amritsar and Mohali, along with the Counter Intelligence Wing, resulted in the arrest of one individual and the seizure of a cache of weapons and explosives in Amritsar. This successful intervention is believed to have thwarted potential terror attacks in the region.
The arrested person has been identified as Sagar Singh, a resident of Galluwal in Amritsar. During the operation on the Khasa-Ram Tirath road, authorities recovered four hand grenades, two foreign-made pistols, and ammunition from his possession. Preliminary investigations have revealed that Singh was allegedly acting on the instructions of foreign-based handlers and may have connections to a terror module involved in a recent grenade attack in Chandigarh.
According to police officials, Sagar Singh's involvement with the terror network began in January 2026, when he established contact with a foreign handler through a social media platform. He then allegedly started working under their instructions, which were communicated through encrypted channels. His tasks reportedly included retrieving and delivering consignments of arms and ammunition smuggled from across the border, for which he received financial compensation. This was not Singh's first encounter with law enforcement; he had been previously arrested in February 2026 by the Amritsar rural police in connection with an arms consignment.
After securing bail in March 2026, Singh is said to have resumed his illicit activities by re-establishing contact with his handler. The recent intelligence about a smuggled consignment of arms and explosives prompted the joint police operation that led to his re-arrest. The swift action by the security forces highlights the continuous threat of cross-border terrorism and the methods used by terror outfits to recruit and operate within the state.
An FIR has been registered at the State Special Operation Cell police station in Amritsar, and a thorough investigation is underway. Authorities are now focused on identifying and apprehending other members of this terror module to dismantle the entire network, including tracing the handlers operating from abroad. The case underscores the ongoing challenge of narco-terror modules and the use of modern communication methods by terrorist organizations to radicalize and mobilize individuals.
Source: toi