Patiala Rail Blast Crackdown: Pakistan-Linked Terror Module Busted After Failed Sabotage

Patiala- In a major breakthrough, police in Patiala have busted a Pakistan-backed terror module following a botched sabotage attempt on the Rajpura–Shambhu railway line, arresting four accused within hours of the incident.

The development came after a suspected bomber, identified as Jagroop Singh from Tarn Taran, was killed when the explosive device he was allegedly planting detonated prematurely near Bathonia village late Monday night. The blast caused minor damage to the track and briefly disrupted rail traffic before repairs were carried out.

Senior officials, including SSP Varun Sharma and DIG Kuldeep Chahal, confirmed that the dismantled module had links to pro-Khalistani elements and was operating with guidance from handlers based in Pakistan and Malaysia.

The four arrested suspects—Pardeep Singh Khalsa, Kulwinder Singh, Satnam Singh, and Gurpreet Singh—are described as habitual offenders. Investigators identified Khalsa as the alleged kingpin, who maintained communication with foreign handlers to coordinate attacks targeting public infrastructure.

The probe intensified after recovery of a SIM card, mobile phone, and wires from the blast site, shifting the case from a local sabotage attempt to a larger counter-terrorism operation. Subsequent raids led to the seizure of a hand grenade, two .30-bore pistols, ammunition, and advanced communication devices.

Officials revealed that the group operated under a radical outfit named “Chalda Vaheer,” which allegedly facilitated training for radicalised youth abroad, particularly in Malaysia.

The accused have reportedly confessed to their involvement in the Shambhu incident and are now facing charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Explosive Substances Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Authorities are also probing possible links with a similar blast reported earlier this year in Fatehgarh Sahib, indicating a potential coordinated attempt to target railway infrastructure in the region.

Police said further raids are underway to identify additional members and prevent future terror strikes.