The State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Mohali, has thwarted a terror conspiracy following the arrest of two men linked to a foreign-based terror operative and the recovery of a fully assembled RDX-based improvised explosive device (IED) weighing about 2.5kg.
Punjab director general of police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Thursday identified the arrested individuals as Mani Singh, 32, of Gujjarpura, Amritsar, and his brother-in-law Abhishek Kumar, 28, of Gillwali Gate, Amritsar.
The recovered IED was ready for deployment, effectively foiling a nefarious plot aimed at targeting critical public infrastructure in Mohali.
Ongoing investigations aim to dismantle the entire terror network, including its handlers, associates, and broader logistical linkages.
Inspector general of police (IGP), counter intelligence, Ashish Choudhary said that police teams, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended both suspects near a park opposite Yadavindra Public School (YPS) Chowk in Mohali.
The duo had transported the explosive device from Amritsar to Mohali by bus.
Given the danger posed by the RDX-laden device, a bomb disposal squad was immediately deployed to the scene, where they successfully neutralised and dismantled the IED according to established safety protocols.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Mani Singh recently established contact with the foreign handler via social media and subsequently looped in Abhishek Kumar.
Driven by financial difficulties, both men agreed to execute tasks for the handler in exchange for monetary rewards.
A case has been registered under Sections 113(3) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) alongside Sections 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act at the SSOC police station in Mohali.
