Chandigarh/SAS Nagar, November 26 — Punjab Police averted a major terror strike on Wednesday after the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), in a coordinated operation with SAS Nagar Police, arrested four operatives linked to foreign-based gangster Goldy Dhillon of the Lawrence Bishnoi network. The arrests followed an exchange of fire near Steel Strips Towers on the Dera Bassi–Ambala highway, officials said.
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said the operation was part of the state’s ongoing crackdown on organised crime under the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The arrested individuals have been identified as Harvinder Singh alias Bhola alias Honey, Lakhwinder Singh, Mohammad Samir, and Rohit Sharma — all residents of Rajpura in Patiala district.
Police recovered seven .32 calibre pistols and 70 live cartridges from the suspects. According to the DGP, a preliminary probe has revealed that the group was acting on instructions from a foreign-based handler and was planning targeted attacks in the Tricity and Patiala region. Investigators are now working to trace the network’s forward and backward linkages.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) AGTF Promod Ban said the operation was launched after specific intelligence indicated the presence of the operatives at a house along the Dera Bassi–Ambala highway. Joint teams led by DSP Bikramjit Singh Brar swiftly cordoned off the location. When the police moved in to apprehend them, the suspects opened fire, with bullets striking the bulletproof jackets of Head Constable Gagandeep Singh and Constable Gulab Singh.
In retaliation, police shot and injured Harvinder Singh alias Bhola and Mohammad Samir, after which all four suspects were subdued and taken into custody.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) SAS Nagar Harmandeep Hans, who inspected the spot, confirmed that all four arrested men have criminal histories. He said the police are now working to identify other members of the module and added that more arrests and recoveries are expected in the coming days.
The case has been registered under FIR No. 345 dated 26.11.2025 at Police Station Dera Bassi under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act.
