The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested a man wanted by the Punjab Police for his alleged role in a transnational arms-smuggling conspiracy connected to Pakistan-based terror handlers. The suspect, identified as Gurpreet Singh—also known by the alias Gopi Billa—was detained in Halol town of Panchmahal district following a precise intelligence tip-off from Punjab authorities. His arrest marks a significant step forward in an ongoing investigation into a terror module accused of supplying grenades and weapons for attacks planned across India.

According to an official release issued by the Gujarat ATS on Friday, Singh was apprehended after teams tracked him to Halol, where he had been living discreetly and working as a labourer in a local factory. He was taken into custody from a hotel in town before being brought in for detailed interrogation. The ATS confirmed that Singh will be handed over to Punjab Police, who have been investigating a wider terror network operating under the guidance of handlers from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Punjab Case: Grenade Smuggling Plot Uncovered

The arrest stems from a case registered recently by the Gurdaspur district police in Punjab. Authorities there uncovered a network of individuals involved in procuring, transporting and detonating grenades, allegedly to create large-scale panic in crowded public spaces. Investigators believe the module was directly guided by ISI-linked handlers across the border who were working to revive terror activities in northern India.

Preliminary findings revealed that the principal conspirators—identified as Manu Agwan and Maninder Billa—are currently based in Malaysia. From overseas, the duo was allegedly recruiting young operatives in Punjab to receive smuggled weapons and execute targeted grenade strikes in densely populated regions of Punjab and possibly other states as well. Their objective, according to the police, was to destabilize local security arrangements and instill widespread fear among civilians through sudden, high-impact attacks.

Singh’s Role in the Network

During the interrogation of two previously arrested suspects linked to the same case, Punjab Police learned of Gurpreet Singh’s direct involvement in the smuggling operation. Officials disclosed that Singh was responsible for facilitating the movement of two grenades and two pistols as part of the broader plot to execute terror attacks. This placed him at a crucial operational level within the module, connecting foreign handlers, local recruiters and on-ground executors.

When questioned after his arrest, Singh reportedly admitted to participating in the conspiracy and acknowledged his role in transporting the weapons. Police sources indicated that Singh had attempted to evade arrest by relocating to Gujarat, where he sought employment under a false identity to avoid detection.

Arrest in Gujarat: Multi-State Coordination Yields Results

Based on intelligence inputs provided by Punjab Police, the Gujarat ATS launched a coordinated search in Halol, eventually locating Singh through surveillance efforts that determined he was employed at a factory. The team observed his movements before detaining him safely from a local hotel. Officials emphasized that this arrest demonstrates the importance of inter-state coordination in tackling terror networks that often operate across multiple jurisdictions to escape law enforcement scrutiny.

The ATS release noted that Singh will be transferred to Punjab for further investigation, which is expected to delve deeper into his connections, communication channels and movements—both within India and potentially abroad. Authorities will also examine whether Singh helped facilitate additional smuggling attempts or supported other operatives still at large.

A Wider Conspiracy Under the Radar

The revelations emerging from this case highlight the persistent attempts by Pakistan-backed groups to revive low-intensity terror activities in India by exploiting local networks. By recruiting operatives through overseas agents and using covert channels to deliver weapons, these groups aim to evade radar and orchestrate attacks designed to disrupt peace and security.

Investigators believe the module uncovered in Punjab was only one segment of a larger cross-border framework that has been seeking to expand its footprint in northern and western India. The smuggling of grenades—often used in quick, high-casualty attacks—reflects a shift towards smaller, easily deployable weapons that require minimal training to use.

Next Steps in the Investigation

With Singh’s arrest, the Punjab Police are expected to intensify their efforts to uncover the full scope of the conspiracy. This includes tracing the smuggled weapons, identifying additional operatives and examining financial and communication trails leading to handlers in Pakistan and Malaysia. Given the international dimensions of the case, agencies may also seek assistance from central investigative bodies to track cross-border links and digital footprints.

Authorities from both Gujarat and Punjab reiterate that Singh’s arrest is a crucial breakthrough but acknowledge that the investigation remains active, with more arrests possible in the coming weeks. The focus will be on dismantling the entire supply chain—from kingpins abroad to local foot-soldiers—before they can execute any planned attacks.

The Gujarat ATS has stated that it remains committed to countering attempts by foreign-sponsored groups to infiltrate and destabilize the country. Singh’s apprehension, facilitated by timely intelligence-sharing and coordinated field operations, underscores the collective vigilance of India’s security agencies in preventing terror threats before they materialize.