Major Success for Punjab Govt: Five Terror Operatives Held with Weapons in Joint Operation
Punjab Police Neutralises BKI Network, Prevents Further Attacks Ahead of Independence Day
Chandigarh: In a major stride towards ensuring peace and security in Punjab, the state police have successfully cracked the recent Nawanshahr grenade attack case, arresting five operatives of the banned outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). The breakthrough is being seen as a significant achievement in the Punjab Government’s ongoing campaign to dismantle terror networks operating with support from across the border.
The operation, carried out jointly by Counter Intelligence (CI) Jalandhar and SBS Nagar Police, led to the arrest of two key operatives – identified as Ritik Naroliya of Jaipur, Rajasthan, and Sonu Kumar alias Kali of Kapurthala – along with three juveniles from Tonk and Jaipur districts of Rajasthan. Police teams also recovered an 86P hand grenade, a .30 bore pistol, two live cartridges, and two empty shells from the accused.
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said the terror module was being run by foreign-based handlers Mannu Agwan, Gopi Nawanshehria, and Zeeshan Akhtar, under the command of Pakistan-based BKI operative Harwinder Singh alias Rinda. Investigations have revealed that the group had already executed a grenade attack on a liquor store in Nawanshahr on August 7, 2025, and was planning further strikes in the run-up to Independence Day.
“We have successfully averted multiple terror strikes that could have endangered innocent lives. The Punjab Police remains fully committed to protecting citizens and neutralising any threat to peace,” said DGP Yadav, while confirming that further probe is underway to identify wider links.
AIG CI Jalandhar Navjot Mahal added that the arrests came after an intelligence-led operation in Rajasthan. During a follow-up recovery, accused Sonu Kumar alias Kali attempted to fire at police officers. In self-defence, the team retaliated, leaving him injured. He was immediately shifted to Civil Hospital, SBS Nagar, where he is currently under treatment.
An FIR has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 109, 324(5), and 61(2), as well as sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act, at Police Station City Nawanshahr.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann lauded the Punjab Police for the successful operation, stating that the government will not allow “enemies of peace, supported by foreign forces, to disrupt harmony in the state.” He reiterated that Punjab is committed to creating a safe and secure environment for its people by cracking down on terror outfits and their networks.
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