Pak ISI-linked grenade attack module busted in Punjab, 10 arrested

The Punjab Police on Thursday said it had dismantled a grenade attack module allegedly backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), arresting 10 people linked to the plot. Officials said the group had been in contact with Pakistan-based handlers who instructed them to carry out a grenade strike in a crowded part of Ludhiana to spark unrest.

Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said the three key accused — Kuldeep Singh, Shekhar Singh and Ajay Singh alias Ajay — all hail from Sri Muktsar Sahib. Police recovered a Chinese-made hand grenade from them. According to investigators, the trio had been receiving directions channelled through foreign handlers.

Seven others — Amrik Singh, Parminder alias Chiri, Vijay, Sukhjit Singh alias Sukh Brar, Sukhwinder Singh, Karanveer Singh alias Vicky and Sajan Kumar alias Sanju — were produced from various jails for their alleged roles as couriers and facilitators in the operation.

Preliminary findings suggest the network stayed in touch with Pakistan-based handlers through three operatives based in Malaysia, coordinating the pickup and movement of the grenade. “The handlers had assigned them the task of executing a grenade attack in a populated area to destabilise the state,” DGP Yadav said, adding that investigators are probing the wider supply chain and support network.

Ludhiana Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma said the case began with credible intelligence inputs, prompting the registration of an FIR against the three prime suspects at the Jodhewal police station. Special teams were then formed for swift action, leading to the arrests.

He said the probe soon pointed to Malaysia-based masterminds — Ajay alias Ajay Malaysia, Jass Behbal and Pawandeep — who were allegedly coordinating with local contacts Amrik Singh and Parminder, both of whom had earlier worked with them in drug-smuggling operations.

Investigators also arrested Vijay, the brother of Ajay Malaysia, who was lodged in Ganganagar jail in a drug case. His role, police said, involved facilitating communications and logistics for the module.

The investigation further revealed the involvement of Sukhjit Singh, Sukhwinder Singh, Karanveer Singh and Sajan alias Sanju, who allegedly helped ensure the delivery of the grenade within Punjab.

Sharma said the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act has been invoked in the case, and Red Corner Notices have been issued against the accused operating from abroad.

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(with inputs from PTI)