The State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Mohali, has thwarted a terror conspiracy with the arrest of two associates of a foreign-based terror operative and seized an RDX-based improvised explosive device (IED), weighing approximately 2.5 kg, from their possession.
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said those arrested were” Mani Singh (32), a resident of Gujjarpura in Amritsar, and Abhishek Kumar (28), a resident of the Gillwali Gate locality in Amritsar.
The seized IED was fully assembled and ready for use. The operation, therefore, resulted in the foiling of a nefarious plot aimed at targeting critical public infrastructure in Mohali and averted a potentially catastrophic threat to public safety and security, he said.
The DGP said that further investigations were underway to uncover the entire terror network, including handlers, associates and all linkages involved in the conspiracy.
Police teams apprehended both suspects from near a park opposite YPS Chowk, Mohali, who travelled from Amritsar to Mohali by bus along with the explosive device. During the operation, the police seized the RDX-laden IED from their possession, he said. Considering the grave threat posed by the device, the bomb disposal squad was immediately summoned to the spot, which successfully dismantled the IED by following all prescribed safety protocols, he added.
Preliminary investigation revealed accused Mani Singh had come in contact with foreign-based handler via a social media platform recently and he also introduced his brother-in-law Abhishek Kumar to him. During their interactions, foreign-based handler offered financial assistance in return for carrying out certain tasks and both agreed to work for him owing to their financial difficulties, he added.
A case was registered under various sections of the BNS and the Explosive Substances Act at the Mohali SSOC police station on June 3.
