In a major breakthrough, the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Amritsar on October 25, 2025 apprehended Manpreet Singh alias Tiddi, an operative of a terror network, and recovered a .30 bore pistol with live ammunition from his possession. On his disclosure, two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), weighing around 2.5 kg each, packed with high-grade RDX and fitted with timers for detonation, were also recovered from the area of village Kotla Tarkhana.
Preliminary investigation reveals that the accused had been working on the directions of handlers based in Armenia, the UK, and Germany, who were, in turn, receiving instructions from a Pakistan-based mastermind of a banned terrorist organisation.
Manpreet Singh alias Tiddi, a resident of village Kotla Tarkhana, Amritsar, has a criminal background, with two cases registered against him at Sadar Batala and Kalanaur police stations. After serving about one and a half years in Gurdaspur and Amritsar jails, he was released in February 2025, following which he again became involved in criminal activities.
DGP Gaurav Yadav stated that initial investigation has confirmed that the accused was acting under the instructions of his handlers in Armenia, the United Kingdom (UK), and Germany, who themselves were receiving orders from a Pakistan-based mastermind linked to a banned terrorist organisation. He added that further investigation is underway to establish other links and expose the entire network.
Sharing details of the operation, AIG SSOC Amritsar Sukhwinder Singh Mann said that acting swiftly on secret information, the team arrested the suspect Manpreet Singh alias Tiddi and recovered a .30 bore pistol and cartridges from him. Based on his disclosure, two IEDs were also recovered from the Kotla Tarkhana area; these were packed with high-grade RDX in metal containers and equipped with detonation timers.
The AIG further revealed that investigation has shown that about two weeks ago, this consignment was dropped via drone by a Pakistan-based handler in the Ajnala sector. The arrested accused received the consignment and concealed it near a canal close to his village Kotla Tarkhana. His handlers had instructed him to remain alert and wait for further orders to hand over the IEDs to another individual for their intended use.
In this regard, FIR No. 63 dated 25.10.2025 has been registered at Police Station SSOC Amritsar under Section 25 of the Arms Act, Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act, and Sections 111 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Notably, on October 15, 2025, Amritsar Police seized three hand grenades and an improvised explosive device (IED) from an agricultural field.
Harchand Singh Sandhu, SHO, Ajnala Police Station, informed that, “We were holding a meeting regarding stubble burning in the fields of Tedi village. We found a suspicious polythene bag. When we checked it, it contained suspected explosive material. I immediately informed my senior officer and called the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS). We have secured it with sandbags. The miscreants were planning a major incident during the festival, but due to the alertness of the police, this incident was prevented by seizing the material in advance. Rest is part of the investigation: who brought it, where it was to be used, and whatever else comes to light during the investigation will be shared with you. There are 3 hand grenades in it. Some of their equipment and an IED…”
