In a major counterterrorism success, a joint operation by Punjab and Uttar Pradesh police culminated in the elimination of three suspected Khalistani terrorists near Puranpur, Uttar Pradesh. The suspects were reportedly linked to the recent grenade attack on a police station in Gurdaspur, Punjab.
The operation unfolded when the suspects, riding a stolen motorcycle, were intercepted near an under-construction bridge in the Puranpur area. According to SP Avinash Pandey, “In Gurdaspur district, a police station was attacked a few days ago, and based on that information, today, Gurdaspur police informed that three suspects, who had been hiding, were located. This information was shared with the Puranpur police station, and a search operation was launched. The police were informed by the picket at Khamaria Point that three suspects were riding a bike at high speed towards the city of Pilibhit. The teams from Puranpur police station, SOG, and Gurdaspur police immediately pursued them.”
The encounter escalated when the suspects opened fire at the police team. Officers retaliated, critically injuring the suspects. SP Pandey described the intense exchange of gunfire: “As the suspects were heading towards an under-construction bridge near the Puranpur area, some vehicles also came in their path. The suspects were surrounded, and when the police confronted them, they opened fire. The police responded with heavy gunfire, injuring all three suspects critically.”
Despite being rushed to the Community Health Center (CHC) and subsequently transferred to the district hospital, all three suspects succumbed to their injuries.
The operation also led to the recovery of two foreign-made Glock pistols and a stolen motorcycle. “From the suspects, the police recovered two foreign-made Glock pistols and a stolen motorcycle related to a theft in Puranpur,” SP Pandey confirmed.
Two police constables, identified as Sumit and Shahnawaz, were injured during the exchange. SP Pandey provided an update on their condition, stating, “Two of our constables were also injured in the encounter. They received medical treatment and were referred to the hospital for further care.”
The encounter marked a significant milestone in disrupting a Pakistan-sponsored terror module. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav took to X to applaud the operation, stating, “In a major breakthrough against a #Pak-sponsored Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) terror module, a joint operation of UP Police and Punjab Police has led to an encounter with three module members who fired at the police party.”
This operation underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to counter terrorism and ensure the safety of citizens.
