Punjab Police Intercepts Major Weapons Consignment in Pathankot, Averts Terror Attack
Punjab Police announced a significant breakthrough in Pathankot on Saturday. Officers recovered a large cache of weapons in the Narot Jamal Singh area. They claimed this action foiled a possible terror attack in the region.
Acting on a Tip-Off, Police Seize Deadly Arsenal
Deputy Inspector General Sandeep Goel, who heads the Border Range, provided details. He stated police received specific human intelligence about the weapons consignment. Acting swiftly on this tip-off, a dedicated police team conducted thorough checks in the area.
The raid yielded a substantial haul. Police seized three AK-47 assault rifles along with five magazines. They also recovered two pistols, one of Turkish make and another of Chinese origin. The seizure included two extra magazines and ninety-eight live bullets.
Links to Pakistan-Based Terrorist and ISI Alleged
DIG Goel revealed the suspected origins of the weapons. Preliminary investigations indicate the consignment was sent from Pakistan. The police named Harvinder Singh, who uses the alias Rinda, as the key figure. Rinda is a known terrorist associated with the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) organization.
Authorities allege Rinda acted under instructions from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The alleged motive was to destabilize the state of Punjab by orchestrating a major violent incident.
Timely Intelligence Prevents Planned Attack
According to the police, the weapons were found hidden within the jurisdiction of the Narot Jamal Singh police station. The information about the delivery arrived on Saturday, prompting the immediate raid.
"Timely human intelligence helped us intercept the consignment," DIG Goel emphasized. He added that the weapons were meant for Rinda's local associates. The plan was to use this arsenal to carry out a significant terror attack in Punjab.
Legal Action Initiated Against Accused
Following the recovery, police have registered a formal case. The First Information Report (FIR) names Harvinder Singh alias Rinda and other unidentified persons. Charges have been filed under multiple stringent laws:
- The Explosive Substances Act of 1908.
- Relevant sections of the Arms Act, 1959 (Sections 25, 54, 59).
- Section 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The police operation underscores ongoing security challenges in the border region. It highlights the critical role of local intelligence networks in preventing potential acts of terrorism.
