The probe revealed that the main accused in the case — Manu Agwan and Maninder Billa — are currently in Malaysia.
Gujarat ATS Arrests Key Operative in ISI-Backed Grenade Smuggling Case Linked to Punjab Terror Module
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested Gurpreet Singh, alias Gopi Billa, who was wanted by Punjab Police for allegedly smuggling grenades and arms for a Pakistan-linked terror module. Officials said that he was arrested from Halol town of Panchmahal district. It is based on a specific input shared by the Punjab Police.
According to the ATS release issued on November 14, 2025, Singh had been working as a labourer in a local factory and was staying at a hotel when the ATS team tracked him down. He has been taken into custody and will be handed over to Punjab Police for further investigation.
Part of a Larger Pakistan-Backed Network
As per preliminary investigations conducted by the ATS and Punjab Police, the arrested operative is linked to a module allegedly working at the behest of Pakistan-based terrorist handlers, particularly those connected with ISI.
The probe revealed that the main accused in the case — Manu Agwan and Maninder Billa — are currently in Malaysia. Officials said these individuals were recruiting operatives in Punjab and attempting to build a network capable of carrying out grenade attacks in densely populated areas of Punjab and other states.
A recent case registered in Gurdaspur district also pointed to the same network. It involved suspects connected to grenade smuggling and detonation activities aimed at assisting terror groups across the border.
Grenades and Pistols Smuggled Into Punjab
According to Punjab Police, during the interrogation of two other accused arrested earlier, investigators learnt about Gurpreet Singh’s alleged role in smuggling two grenades and two pistols into Punjab. These weapons were reportedly meant to be used for planned terror attacks.
Swift Coordination Prevents Possible Attacks
Officials said the coordinated efforts between Punjab Police and Gujarat ATS helped prevent potential high-impact attacks. The successful arrest highlights the continued threat posed by cross-border terror modules attempting to exploit local operatives to spread panic.
Authorities have intensified investigations to identify additional members of the network and trace the movement of weapons smuggled into India.
As the case progresses, more details are expected to emerge on how the module operated and the extent of its links with Pakistan-based handlers.
