Punjab Police bust ISI-backed BKI terror module

Amritsar: In a major counter-terror operation, Punjab Police on Thursday said a joint team of Amritsar rural police, Gurdaspur police, the state special operations cell (SSOC) in Amritsar, and central agencies had busted an ISI-backed Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror module.Director general of police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said two accused have been arrested. Police said a cache of arms and explosives was recovered from the accused, including five hand grenades, two special detonators, a push-to-talk (PTT) timer fitted with coder and decoder, a 9-volt battery, and an improvised explosive device (IED) containing around 1kg of explosives packed with nails. A Baofeng walkie-talkie, along with cable and trigger mechanism, was also seized.Preliminary investigation indicated foreign-based handler with alleged links to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).Sources said the nature of the recoveries suggested the accused were at an advanced stage of planning attacks aimed at causing maximum damage and disturbing public order.A case has been registered at Kalanaur police station in Gurdaspur under relevant provisions of the Explosive Substances Act. Investigators are now working to establish the module's forward and backward linkages, including local support networks and the role of foreign handlers.