Punjab Police Dismantle ISI-Backed BKI Terror Module! Six Arrested in Batala Grenade Attack Plot

In a significant counter-terrorism operation, Punjab Police have dismantled a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror module, allegedly backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), arresting six operatives involved in a failed grenade attack on a liquor vend in Batala on May 17, 2025.

The module was directed by foreign-based handlers Maninder Billa in Portugal and Mannu Agwan, who assumed operational control of BKI following the arrest of Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passian, in the United States, according to Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav.

The arrested individuals, identified as Jatin Kumar alias Rohan, Barinder Singh alias Sajan, Abraham alias Rohit, Sunil Kumar, Rahul Masih, and Sohit, all residents of Batala, were nabbed after a swift investigation using technical and human intelligence.

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The group attempted to lob a hand grenade at a liquor vend in Batala’s Focal Point area, but the device failed to explode due to faulty assembly, averting potential casualties. A .30 bore pistol was recovered during the operation.

DGP Yadav revealed that the module was instructed by its foreign handlers to target liquor vends to instill fear among contractors and facilitate extortion.

Senior Superintendent of Police (Batala) Suhail Qasim Mir detailed that Jatin Kumar, the primary executor, sustained bullet injuries during an exchange of fire with police while being taken for weapon recovery. Kumar, who opened fire in an attempt to escape, is under treatment at Batala’s Civil Hospital.

Preliminary investigations indicate the grenade was assembled based on instructions received via a video call from Maninder Billa and an unidentified individual, lacking technical expertise, which led to its failure to detonate. A case has been registered at Civil Lines police station under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Explosive Substances Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

This bust follows recent National Investigation Agency (NIA) searches on May 16 across Gurdaspur, Batala, Amritsar, and Kapurthala, targeting suspects linked to BKI’s US-based operative Happy Passian and Pakistan-based mastermind Harwinder Singh Rinda.

The NIA seized incriminating materials, including mobiles and documents, revealing a broader conspiracy to recruit and arm operatives for attacks in Punjab and Haryana. The operation underscores Punjab Police’s ongoing efforts to counter ISI-backed terror networks, with further arrests anticipated as investigations deepen.

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