Daijiworld Media Network - Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Oct 25: Punjab Police’s Special Operation Cell in Amritsar has arrested an alleged operative linked to an international terror network and recovered two improvised explosive devices, each weighing about 2.5 kg and packed with high-grade RDX and timers, officials said on Saturday.

The accused, identified as Manpreet Singh (alias Tiddi) of Kotla Tarkhana village, has a prior criminal record with cases registered in Batala and Kalanaur. He was released from Gurdaspur and Amritsar jails in February 2025 after serving about 18 months, according to police.

Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said preliminary investigations indicate Manpreet acted on instructions from handlers based in Armenia, Britain and Germany, who in turn were receiving directions from a Pakistan-based mastermind of a banned terrorist organisation.

Assistant Inspector General (Amritsar) Sukhminder Singh Mann said the arrest followed specific intelligence. Police recovered a .30 bore pistol and ammunition from Manpreet, and subsequent searches led to the discovery of the two IEDs packed inside metal containers near his village. The devices were reportedly fitted with timers and made with sophisticated explosive material.

Probe teams learned that roughly two weeks earlier a Pakistan-based handler had arranged a drone drop in the Ajnala sector. Manpreet allegedly retrieved that consignment, hid it near a canal close to Kotla Tarkhana, and was ordered to stay on standby to pass the explosives to another contact when directed.

The seized items have been secured and the investigation is continuing to identify wider links and potential targets.