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Chandigarh: In a major intelligence-led operation, Punjab Police on Wednesday foiled a targeted killing plot in Ludhiana, arresting two local operatives allegedly working on the directions of foreign-based handlers linked to the Khalistan Commando Force (KCF). A 9mm pistol and five live cartridges were recovered from their possession.
The operation was carried out by the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), SAS Nagar, in coordination with Counter Intelligence Ludhiana, as part of the ongoing drive to ensure a safe and secure Punjab under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Disclosing details, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the arrested accused had conducted reconnaissance of government and prominent offices in Ludhiana, indicating advanced preparation for a targeted attack.
Arrested Accused, Foreign Links Emerge
The arrested individuals have been identified as Karanbir Singh, a resident of Haibowal Kalan, Ludhiana, and Avtar Singh, a resident of New Shimlapuri, Millerganj, Ludhiana. Police said Avtar Singh has a prior criminal record, with several cases registered against him under the Arms Act and the IPC.
According to the DGP, preliminary investigations revealed that both accused were in direct contact with handlers based in the UK and Germany, who are allegedly associated with the banned Khalistan Commando Force and espouse hardline extremist ideology.
“On the directions of their foreign-based handlers, the accused carried out a recce of sensitive government and prominent offices in Ludhiana. They were also tasked with collecting intelligence and conducting groundwork related to a few other identified individuals,” DGP Yadav said.
Swift Operation, Arms Recovered
Sharing operational details, D. Sudarvizhi, Assistant Inspector General, SSOC SAS Nagar, said the arrests were made following specific and credible intelligence inputs about an imminent conspiracy to execute a targeted killing.
Acting swiftly, a joint team of SSOC SAS Nagar and Counter Intelligence Ludhiana conducted a targeted operation in Ludhiana, leading to the arrest of both accused. During interrogation, on the disclosure of Avtar Singh, the police recovered one 9mm pistol along with five live cartridges.
The AIG said further investigation revealed that both accused had been radicalised and recruited by their foreign-based handlers, and were also tasked with circulating extremist and radical content on social media platforms to further the agenda of the banned outfit.
FIR Registered, Probe Widens
In this regard, FIR No. 1 dated January 5, 2026, has been registered at Police Station SSOC SAS Nagar under Sections 113(5) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
“Further investigations are underway to establish the forward and backward linkages of this module, identify additional operatives, and trace the financial, logistical and communication networks involved,” AIG Sudarvizhi said. Punjab Police officials termed the operation a significant preventive strike against terror-linked activities, reiterating that any attempt to disturb peace and harmony in the state would be dealt with firmly and decisively.
