Targeted killing foiled in Ludhiana; Two linked to Khalistan commando force held with one pistol
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, January 7, 2026: In a major intelligence-led operation aimed at ensuring the safety and security of Punjab, the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), SAS Nagar, in coordination with Counter Intelligence Ludhiana, has foiled a targeted killing plot in Ludhiana by arresting two accused linked to the Khalistan Commando Force (KCF). A 9mm pistol along with five live cartridges has been recovered from their possession.
Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav said that the operation was carried out as part of the ongoing crackdown on anti-national and extremist activities, as directed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The arrested accused have been identified as Karanbir Singh, a resident of Haibowal Kalan, Ludhiana, and Avtar Singh, a resident of New Shimlapuri, Millerganj, Ludhiana. Avtar Singh has a previous criminal record, with multiple cases registered against him under the Arms Act and IPC.
The DGP said that preliminary investigations revealed that the accused were in contact with UK- and Germany-based handlers associated with the Khalistan Commando Force and were influenced by hardline extremist ideology.
Acting on directions from their foreign handlers, the accused had conducted reconnaissance of government and prominent offices in Ludhiana as part of the conspiracy to execute a targeted killing.
He further disclosed that the accused were also tasked with collecting inputs and carrying out groundwork related to several other identified individuals, indicating a wider conspiracy.
Providing operational details, AIG SSOC SAS Nagar D. Sudarvizhi said that based on credible intelligence inputs about a planned targeted killing, a joint team of SSOC SAS Nagar and Counter Intelligence Ludhiana launched a swift and precise operation, leading to the arrest of both accused from Ludhiana.
During interrogation, on the disclosure of Avtar Singh, a 9mm pistol and live cartridges were recovered.
The AIG added that investigations have revealed the accused were radicalised and recruited by their foreign-based handlers and were also tasked with sharing extremist content on social media platforms. Further investigations are underway to establish forward and backward linkages and to identify other associates involved in the module.
In this connection, FIR No. 1 dated January 5, 2026, under Sections 113(5) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), has been registered at Police Station SSOC, SAS Nagar.