In a significant counter-terrorism breakthrough, Punjab Police announced on Sunday, July 20, 2025, that they had dismantled a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror cell reportedly guided by overseas operatives Maninder Billa and Manu Agwan. Three suspects, believed to be involved in grenade attacks on police outposts in Badshahpur (Patiala, Punjab) and Ajimgarh (Haryana), were taken into custody.
The operation was carried out in collaboration between the Counter Intelligence unit in Patiala and the State Special Operation Cell in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, according to Punjab’s Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav.
The arrested suspects were identified as Sandeep Singh alias Deepu from Badshahpur, Harpreet Singh alias Jagga from Harchandpura, and Harmanpreet Singh alias Preet from Gurdialpura—all hailing from the Patiala district.
These arrests come in the aftermath of two separate grenade assaults: one on April 1 at the police post in Badshahpur, and another on April 6 in Ajimgarh, Haryana. Babbar Khalsa operatives had reportedly claimed responsibility for both incidents.
DGP Yadav stated that the arrests had led to the resolution of both attacks, further revealing that the module was in the process of planning additional strikes on law enforcement facilities within Punjab.
Simrat Kaur, Additional Director General (CI) Patiala, noted that during interrogation, the detainees admitted the attacks were orchestrated by Gurpreet Singh alias Babbu, who is currently incarcerated in Patiala Jail but remains under police watch.
Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reportedly conducted searches at 15 different locations across Punjab in connection with the BKI network, intensifying the crackdown on the banned organization.
