2 ISI-Backed Terrorists with Lawrence Bishnoi Links Injured in Punjab Encounter

Punjab Police carried out a focused operation near the Ladowal Toll Plaza on the Delhi Amritsar National Highway in Ludhiana, acting on intelligence about an ISI-backed gangster terror module connected to the Lawrence Bishnoi network. The move came as authorities stepped up actions against a recent rise in targeted killings and violent crimes across the state.

Operation Triggered by Interrogation Inputs

Investigators had earlier arrested individuals from Haryana and Bihar, seizing hand grenades and gathering crucial information during questioning. Officers learned more about the network's plans, which helped them set a trap for additional suspects.

When police advanced toward the identified location, the suspects opened fire. Officers returned fire, injuring two members of the module. Both were initially taken to a private hospital and later shifted to the civil hospital. One suspect is said to be in critical condition.

Weapons Recovered and Threat Assessment

Officials recovered two Chinese grenades, five pistols, and over fifty cartridges from the spot. Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma, who reached the scene, called the module a serious threat. He stated that this was a terror network supported by Pakistan's ISI and that the group had been preparing for a major attack, although he noted it was too early to reveal more details.

Recent Encounters Heighten Concerns

The state has witnessed back to back police encounters on November 19 and 20 in Amritsar and Ferozepur, sparking criticism from political rivals over law and order.
In Amritsar, police shot Harjinder Singh, also known as Harry, who had recently been released on bail. He was admitted to Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, where he later died.

Police are searching for his associate Sunny of Attari, who managed to flee. Harjinder Singh, believed to be around 32, had five criminal cases against him, including one in Pathankot. Authorities said he had links to overseas gangsters and Pakistan's intelligence agency and that the group used drones to smuggle weapons from across the border. Two pistols were recovered during the operation.

Ferozepur Chase and Arrest

Around 120 kilometres away, police engaged in another confrontation with Gursimran, also known as Jatin Kali, the alleged mastermind behind the daylight killing of RSS worker Naveen Kumar Arora on November 15. According to police, Kali fired at officers during the chase and was hit by three bullets when they returned fire. He has been hospitalised for further treatment.