Punjab Police Bust Pakistan ISI-Backed Module, Arrest Six and Solve Khasa Cantt IED Blast Case

Punjab Police have arrested six alleged operatives of a Pakistan ISI-backed network, foiled a suspected conspiracy to target police establishments and solved the May 2026 IED blast near Khasa Cantonment in Amritsar, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said on Tuesday.

Police recovered one hand grenade, a 9mm pistol and five live cartridges in two interlinked cases. The investigation has reportedly revealed links between the module, foreign-based smugglers and ISI operatives.

The three suspects arrested over the alleged conspiracy to attack police buildings have been identified as Navdeep Singh of Fatehgarh Korotana, Dharamkot, Moga; Samuel alias Samu; and Sandeep Singh alias Tiddi, both residents of Menewala, Moga.

Inspector General of Police (Border Range) Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the arrests followed actionable inputs from central agencies about cross-border handlers allegedly planning attacks on police establishments. A motorcycle was intercepted, leading to the arrests and recovery of the weapons. An FIR, No. 441 dated October 11, 2026, has been registered at Gharinda police station under Sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act and Section 25 of the Arms Act.

Police also solved the IED blast that occurred around 11 pm on May 5, 2026, near the wall of Brigade Security at Khasa Cantonment. The three accused arrested in this case are Ramandeep Singh, Jajpreet Singh and Arshdeep Singh alias Kekra, all residents of Purani Dana Mandi, Attari, Amritsar.

SSP Amritsar Rural Kanwalpreet Singh Chahal said a Special Investigation Team was constituted to crack the case. Teams led by CIA Inspector Manmeet Singh and Gharinda SHO Inspector Amandeep Singh arrested the accused following investigation and technical tracking. FIR No. 174, dated May 6, 2026, was registered under Sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act and Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

DGP Yadav said further investigation is underway to identify the network’s full extent and establish its backward and forward links.