Punjab Police's Major Strike: Terror-Narco Nexus Disrupted with Dual Arrests
In a significant crackdown on cross-border terrorism and narco-terror networks, the Punjab Police have made two crucial arrests that expose the deep links between drug trafficking and terrorist activities. The State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) in SAS Nagar, Mohali, has successfully apprehended key operatives, dealing a severe blow to the operational capabilities of these dangerous networks.
First Arrest: Terrorist Associate with Pakistan Links
The police arrested Raman Kumar alias Golu, identified as a close associate of Pakistan-based terrorist Shahzad Bhatti. During the operation, authorities recovered a .30 bore pistol from his possession, highlighting the serious nature of the threat.
According to Deepak Pareek, AIG of SSOC Mohali, Raman Kumar was arrested on January 21, 2026, in connection with an FIR registered on December 10, 2025. The charges include violations of the Arms Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
During interrogation, Raman Kumar revealed disturbing details about his connections:
- He had been in continuous contact with Shahzad Bhatti for an extended period
- Their initial contact was established through Instagram
- He was acting on specific instructions from the Pakistan-based terrorist
- The recovered pistol was provided to him through one of Bhatti's operatives
Notably, Raman Kumar has a previous criminal record, having been arrested earlier by Ambala police in connection with a police station blast that was executed on Shahzad Bhatti's directions. Investigations revealed he had also provided financial assistance to perpetrators at Bhatti's behest.
Second Arrest: Drug Money Laundering Operation
In a parallel but equally significant development, the SSOC arrested Satnam Singh, 22, from Punnewal village in Sangrur district. He has been identified as a key financial conduit in the narco-terror network.
According to AIG Deepak Pareek, Satnam Singh admitted during interrogation that he facilitated drug money and terror financing on instructions from Pakistan-based drug smuggler Ali. His arrest is linked to FIR No. 14 dated December 10, 2025, registered under multiple sections including the NDPS Act, Arms Act, and BNS.
Investigations revealed that Satnam Singh deliberately misused his bank account and UPI credentials to route proceeds generated from heroin trafficking to key operatives of the network. This sophisticated financial operation highlights how drug money is being channeled to support terrorist activities.
Broader Network Connections
The investigation has uncovered connections to other significant narco-terror operatives:
- Rajbir Singh alias Fauji: A prime narco-terror operative arrested near the Indo-Nepal border in Raxaul, Motihari (Bihar)
- During Rajbir's arrest, authorities recovered 500 grams of heroin and one hand grenade
- He was identified as the supplier of heroin to courier Chirag, who was earlier arrested with 107 grams of heroin, a 9 mm pistol, and live cartridges
- Rajbir's role also surfaced in the Women Police Station grenade attack in Sirsa, Haryana in November 2025
Official Statements and Future Actions
AIG Deepak Pareek emphasized the significance of these arrests, stating, "These arrests are a major blow to the operational and logistical network of cross-border terrorists and narco-terror modules active in Punjab and neighbouring states."
He further added, "The arrests of Raman Kumar @ Golu and Satnam Singh have dealt a significant blow to the narco-terror-espionage nexus operating across international borders. Further investigation is underway to identify, trace, and dismantle the remaining modules, associates, and support systems to completely uproot such networks from Punjab."
The police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring national security and maintaining law and order, with investigations continuing on multiple fronts to completely dismantle these dangerous networks.
