Ahmedabad: The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a wanted suspect in connection with an arms and grenade smuggling case originating from Punjab.

According to the ATS, a case was registered at the City Batala Post Office in Gurdaspur district of Punjab on November 9, involving the smuggling and detonation of grenades, as well as aiding a terrorist network operating across the border.

The main accused in the case, Manu Agwan and Maninder Billa, currently based in Malaysia, were found to have planted operatives in Punjab in coordination with handlers from Pakistan’s ISI. They allegedly hatched a conspiracy to carry out grenade attacks and shootings in densely populated areas to spread terror across Punjab and other states. Investigations also revealed that the accused had exchanged information regarding the pickup and delivery of two grenades and two pistols.

Punjab Police had earlier detained accused Panthabirsindh and Jaskirtsindh in connection with the crime. During interrogation, the duo disclosed the name of another suspect, Gurpreet Singh, alias Gopi Billa, a resident of Batala. This information was promptly shared with the Gujarat ATS.

Subsequently, Gujarat ATS officials traced Gurpreet Singh, alias Gopi Billa, working as an industrial laborer at a company in Halol, Gujarat. A team of Gujarat ATS officers reached the hotel where the accused was staying under the name Gurpreet Singh and immediately brought him to the Gujarat ATS office in Ahmedabad for further interrogation.

During preliminary questioning, Gurpreet Singh allegedly confessed his involvement in the conspiracy to carry out grenade attacks in Punjab in coordination with Manu Agwan and Maninder Billa. Legal action is now underway to hand over the accused to Punjab Police for further proceedings.