ISI-backed terror module planned attack at Jantar Mantar, Punjab cops arrest 9
New Delhi: The Punjab Police on Monday claimed to have busted 2 ISI-backed terror modules, which had connections across the border. They managed to arrest 9 persons, including 4 juveniles with arms and ammunition during the operation.
The Punjab Police said that foreign handlers of the young boys arrested now, who had links with ISI were trying to recruit locals to carry out terror attacks in India. The personnel claimed that an attack was also planned at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav was quoted by NDTV as saying, “In a big breakthrough, Amritsar Commissionerate Police busted two ISI-backed cross-border terror modules, apprehended nine accused, including four juveniles, and recovered 3 illegal pistols, 4 petrol bottle bombs, and 9 live cartridges.”
The personnel said that the first group was caught from the Rajasansi area. It included a man identified as Sukhman Singh and 3 of his accomplices, who were minors. Investigations revealed that this particular group was tasked with carrying out a terror attack, during the recent students protest at Jantar Mantar, which were led by the newly founded Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).
Sukhman reportedly revealed during questioning that he was in touch with a Pakistani handler. He also said that his handler had asked him to carry out a terror attack during the recent protest at Jantar Mantar. He further said that as instructed, he travelled to Delhi with his associates to carry out the task. However, due to heavy police presence, he failed to accomplish the task.
The Punjab Police further said that an associate from Uttar Pradesh was supposed to provide weapons and other ammunition to the group led by Sukhman. But due to heavy security at Jantar Mantar, the plan failed and the group returned to Punjab.
Who was mastermind behind planned attack at Jantar Mantar?
According to the Punjab Police, this terror module was backed by Pakistani gangster and terrorist Shahzad Bhatti. There was another module caught by Kolkata Police. They were also supposed to come to Jantar Mantar. This group was also in touch with those related to Shahzad Bhatti. They were allegedly coordinating through 6 WhatsApp groups.
The group had also reportedly been assigned the task to recce police buildings and Police personnel in Punjab, said investigators.
The second module was busted, while the police were investigating the installation of some suspicious CCTV cameras near railway tracks. These cameras were installed near the tracks and the footage from them was allegedly being shared with foreign handlers.
Those arrested have been identified as Vansh Kumar (19) and Anmol Singh alias Sahil (20) of Patti in Tarn Taran; Harman Singh alias Hammu (24), Sukhdev Singh (30) and Sukhman Singh (19) of Amritsar. The remaining accused are juveniles.
The police have recovered one illegal .32 bore country-made pistol, along with three live cartridges, from Vansh Kumar and his associates. The police said that the money for the installation of CCTV cameras was given through a Paytm transaction Sukhdev Singh, who is lodged in Central Jail, Amritsar. He allegedly gave the money at the instance of Harman Singh alias Hammu. Both of them have now been arrested.