Amritsar (Gurpreet Singh): Amritsar Rural Police have claimed a breakthrough in their crackdown on illegal arms and explosives, dismantling an alleged Pakistan ISI-backed supply network and apprehending three suspects. The police have also reported solving the May 2026 improvised explosive device (IED) blast case near Army Cantonment Khasa, with two people arrested in connection with the incident.
According to Punjab Police, the operation led to the recovery of a pistol and a hand grenade. Investigators suspect that the network had links with smugglers operating from abroad and alleged operatives associated with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Investigation Focuses on Cross-Border Links
Preliminary findings indicate that the suspected module may have been involved in the supply of illegal arms and explosives. Police are now investigating the alleged connections to foreign-based handlers and tracing the network’s supply channels.
Officials are also working to establish the backward and forward linkages of the operation to identify other suspects and determine the extent of the network’s activities.
Khasa Army Cantonment Blast Case Cracked
In a separate but related development announced by the police, investigators have claimed to have solved the IED blast case reported near Army Cantonment Khasa in May 2026. Two accused have been arrested in connection with the explosion.
The investigation is expected to focus on the circumstances surrounding the blast, the alleged roles of those arrested and any possible links with the wider illegal arms and explosives network.
Cases Registered Under Relevant Laws
An FIR relating to the alleged arms and explosives network has been registered at Gharinda police station in Amritsar under the relevant provisions of the Arms Act and the Explosive Substances Act.
The Khasa blast case has been registered under applicable provisions of the Explosive Substances Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Further investigation is underway to establish the full scope of the suspected network and identify any additional individuals involved.
Punjab Police reiterated that surveillance and enforcement efforts against illegal weapons, explosives, terror-linked networks and organised crime would continue across the state.
The alleged links to Pakistan-based intelligence operatives and the involvement of the arrested individuals remain subject to the ongoing investigation.
