Major Terror Conspiracy Foiled in Punjab; Two Arrested with RDX-Based IED
In a significant breakthrough against cross-border terror networks, the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), SAS Nagar, has foiled a major terror conspiracy with the arrest of two associates of a foreign-based terror operative. Police also recovered a fully assembled RDX-based Improvised Explosive Device (IED) weighing approximately 2.5 kg from their possession.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Mani Singh (32), a resident of Gujjarpura, Amritsar, and Abhishek Kumar (28), a resident of Gillwali Gate, Amritsar.
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav stated that the recovered IED was fully assembled and ready for use. The operation successfully thwarted a sinister plot aimed at targeting critical public infrastructure in SAS Nagar, averting a potentially catastrophic threat to public safety and security.
He further said that investigations are underway to identify the entire terror network, including handlers, associates, and all related linkages involved in the conspiracy.
Providing operational details, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Counter Intelligence Ashish Choudhary said that acting on credible intelligence inputs, police teams apprehended the suspects near a park opposite YPS Chowk, Mohali. The accused had travelled from Amritsar to Mohali by bus while carrying the explosive device.
During the operation, police recovered the RDX-laden IED from their possession. Considering the grave threat posed by the explosive, the Bomb Disposal Squad was immediately called and successfully neutralized and dismantled the device following all safety protocols.
Preliminary investigations revealed that accused Mani Singh had recently come in contact with a foreign-based handler through a social media platform and later introduced his brother-in-law Abhishek Kumar to him. The handler allegedly offered financial assistance in exchange for carrying out terror-related activities. Facing financial difficulties, both accused agreed to work for the handler.
A case (FIR No. 08 dated 03.06.2026) has been registered under Sections 113(3) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act at Police Station SSOC, SAS Nagar.
