On September 5, 2025, Indian security agencies scored two major victories in their ongoing battle against terrorism, with both the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Punjab Police announcing significant breakthroughs in separate cases that have shaken the region in recent months. These developments highlight not only the persistent threat posed by extremist networks, but also the increasingly transnational nature of their operations and the determined efforts by Indian authorities to keep citizens safe.
According to reporting from Devdiscourse, the NIA arrested Sharanjit Kumar, also known as Sunny, in Bihar, directly linking him to the March 2025 grenade attack on a temple in Amritsar, Punjab. Kumar, originally from Bhaini Bangar village in Punjab's Gurdaspur district, is believed to have played a pivotal role in executing the brazen attack. The incident, which involved bike-mounted assailants Gursidak Singh and Vishal Gill, sent shockwaves through the community and prompted a sweeping investigation that soon revealed a web of international connections.
NIA officials told Devdiscourse that the attackers did not act alone or on their own initiative. Instead, they allegedly operated under the direction of handlers based far beyond India's borders. "The perpetrators of the attack, bike-mounted assailants Gursidak Singh and Vishal Gill, allegedly acted under foreign directives," the agency noted. These foreign handlers, with roots traced to Europe, the USA, and Canada, are suspected of providing crucial logistical support and intelligence to their Indian counterparts, orchestrating the attack from afar and demonstrating the global reach of modern terror networks.
The NIA's probe into the Amritsar temple attack is part of a broader crackdown on extremist activities, both foreign and domestic. On the same day as Kumar's arrest, the agency filed charges against five members of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) in connection with the murder of an Indian Army personnel in Chhattisgarh. This supplementary chargesheet, as reported by Devdiscourse, underscores the agency's commitment to tackling not just imported threats but also homegrown extremism that continues to challenge India's internal security.
Meanwhile, Punjab Police were celebrating their own major success. As detailed by Rozana Spokesman, state authorities announced the arrest of five operatives belonging to the banned Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) outfit in connection with the August 7, 2025 grenade attack on a liquor store in Nawanshahr. The operation, described as a joint effort between Counter Intelligence (CI) Jalandhar and SBS Nagar Police, is being hailed as a landmark achievement in the Punjab government's campaign to dismantle terror networks operating with cross-border support.
The arrested suspects include Ritik Naroliya from Jaipur, Rajasthan; Sonu Kumar, alias Kali, from Kapurthala; and three juveniles from Tonk and Jaipur districts of Rajasthan. According to Punjab's Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, the terror module was managed by a cadre of foreign-based handlers—Mannu Agwan, Gopi Nawanshehria, and Zeeshan Akhtar—operating under the command of Pakistan-based BKI operative Harwinder Singh, also known as Rinda. Police recovered an 86P hand grenade, a .30 bore pistol, two live cartridges, and two empty shells from the accused during the operation.
DGP Yadav emphasized the significance of the arrests, stating, "We have successfully averted multiple terror strikes that could have endangered innocent lives. The Punjab Police remains fully committed to protecting citizens and neutralising any threat to peace." The timing of the operation was especially critical, with authorities believing that the group was planning further attacks in the lead-up to India's Independence Day on August 15.
Investigations revealed that the BKI module had already executed the Nawanshahr grenade attack and was plotting additional strikes. The joint police operation, which included intelligence-led efforts in Rajasthan, culminated in a dramatic confrontation when Sonu Kumar attempted to fire at police officers during his arrest. In the ensuing exchange, Kumar was injured and subsequently transferred to Civil Hospital, SBS Nagar, where he remains under treatment. Law enforcement registered a First Information Report (FIR) under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Explosive Substances Act at Police Station City Nawanshahr.
Praising the efforts of law enforcement, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, "The government will not allow enemies of peace, supported by foreign forces, to disrupt harmony in the state." He reiterated Punjab's commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment, vowing to continue the crackdown on terror outfits and their networks. The chief minister's remarks reflect a broader sentiment across the state, where memories of past violence continue to inform a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism.
The recent spate of arrests and chargesheets points to a worrying trend: the increasing involvement of foreign actors in fomenting unrest in India, particularly in Punjab. Both the Amritsar and Nawanshahr cases share striking similarities—foreign-based masterminds leveraging local operatives to carry out attacks, sophisticated logistical support crossing continents, and a clear intent to destabilize the region. The NIA's findings that handlers in Europe, the USA, and Canada were instrumental in the Amritsar attack echo the Punjab Police's identification of Pakistan-based BKI operatives orchestrating the Nawanshahr plot. This convergence of evidence underscores the need for international cooperation in tracking, disrupting, and prosecuting those who seek to export terror into India.
The swift and coordinated response by Indian authorities demonstrates not only improved intelligence-sharing and operational capabilities, but also a growing recognition that modern terrorism does not respect borders. The use of juveniles by the BKI module in Nawanshahr, as reported by Rozana Spokesman, adds an additional layer of concern—raising questions about radicalization tactics and the exploitation of vulnerable youth by extremist organizations.
For residents of Punjab and neighboring states, these developments are a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by both foreign and domestic terror groups. Yet, they also offer reassurance that law enforcement agencies are not only vigilant but increasingly effective in their efforts to neutralize threats before they can claim more innocent lives. Chief Minister Mann's words resonate in this context: the fight against terror is ongoing, and the resolve to protect peace and harmony remains unshaken.
As investigations continue—both into the broader networks behind these attacks and the specific individuals involved—authorities are urging the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activities. The events of September 5, 2025, serve as a powerful testament to what can be achieved through coordinated action, robust intelligence, and an unwavering commitment to the safety of all citizens.
