Amritsar: In a major success against cross-border terror activities, the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Amritsar, has arrested Manpreet Singh alias Tiddi, a suspected member of an international terror network. The arrest has led to the recovery of explosives and sophisticated weaponry, officials confirmed on Saturday.
During the operation, police recovered a .30 bore pistol along with several live rounds from the accused. Following sustained questioning, the SSOC team conducted a search in Kotla Tarkhana village, where they found two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) weighing around 2.5 kilograms each. Both devices were packed with high-grade RDX and equipped with timers for detonation, pointing to an advanced level of planning behind the plot.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that Singh was operating under the instructions of handlers based in Armenia, the United Kingdom, and Germany, who were allegedly being directed by a Pakistan-based leader of a banned terrorist organisation.
A senior police official stated that an FIR has been registered at the SSOC Police Station, Amritsar, under relevant sections of the Explosives Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). “The suspect’s arrest has prevented a potential large-scale terror incident. Efforts are ongoing to trace his contacts and funding channels,” the officer said.
Investigators are now examining Singh’s communication records to uncover his forward and backward linkages and identify others who may be part of the module. The recovery of such high-grade explosives suggests possible plans for targeted attacks or sabotage activities in the state.
In an official statement, Punjab Police reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public safety and countering terrorism in the region. “We remain resolute in dismantling all terror networks operating in or beyond Punjab’s borders,” the statement read.
The arrest marks another success in Punjab Police’s ongoing efforts to crack down on terror modules backed by overseas handlers, many of whom have been attempting to reactivate sleeper cells and smuggle arms into India through cross-border routes.
Further investigations are underway to trace the supply chain of weapons and explosives and to determine the intended targets of the terror network.
