DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

The Punjab Police on Thursday said it has averted possible target killings with the arrest of a member of a terror module, which is backed by the banned Khalistani outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).

The module was being operated by USA-based wanted terrorist Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passian, a close aide of designated terrorist Harwinder Singh alias Rinda, along with his Italy-based associate Resham Singh, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said.

The accused has been identified as Vikramjit Singh, a resident of Ghaniye Ke Bangar in Batala.

Police also recovered a .32 bore pistol along with two magazines, nine live cartridges and an empty bullet shell from his possession.

DGP Yadav said that State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Amritsar had received an input that Harpreet Singh along with his associate Resham Singh was planning a major criminal activity in Punjab and for this purpose, they tasked their foot soldier Vikramjit Singh, who was travelling towards Chamrang Road, Amritsar on his motorcycle.

The police team cordoned the specified area and apprehended accused Vikramjit, the DGP said.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the accused was carrying out illegal activities on the directions of his foreign-based handlers. Further investigations are on to establish forward and backward linkages in this case, he added.

Assistant Inspector General of Police Sukhminder Singh Mann said it was discovered that accused Vikramjit was in touch with Resham Singh for the last five to six years.

"A few months ago, Resham introduced him to Harpreet Singh to work as his foot soldier. Harpreet Singh has also been arranging delivery of weapons and ammunition to his gang-members and in this series, accused Vikramjit recently procured a consignment to carry out Passian's nefarious plans," he said.

A case has been registered under Section 25 of the Arms Act and sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act in Amritsar.
(editor@dailyworld.in)