A Terror Module Busted Within Hours
Punjab Police uncovered a conspiracy behind the April 27 blast on the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) railway track near Shambhu in Patiala district. The incident, initially suspected to be a low-intensity explosion, was later confirmed as an attempted detonation targeting the railway infrastructure.
Police described it as a deep-rooted terror module with alleged links to Pakistan’s Inter
Services Intelligence (ISI) and pro-Khalistan elements. One suspect, identified as Jagroop Singh, was killed when the improvised explosive device (IED) detonated prematurely, while four others linked to the module were arrested within hours.
This marks the second attack on freight rail infrastructure in Punjab this year, following a similar incident in January near Sirhind that damaged a train engine and injured a loco pilot.
How the Attack Unfolded
The attempted blast took place on April 27 near Bothonia village, between Shambhu and Rajpura in Patiala district, along the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC). According to police, the incident occurred around 8:30–8:45 PM when an improvised explosive device (IED) was being planted on the railway track.
The IED detonated prematurely during the process, killing the main suspect, Jagroop Singh, on the spot before the device could be fully deployed. Authorities believe the intended objective was to damage the railway track and disrupt freight movement along the corridor.
As per Shashi Prabha Dwivedi, Special DGP (Railways), the driver of the freight train alerted the police about the blast and irregularities near the track. Police teams reached the site soon after and secured the area.
During the initial investigation, officials recovered key evidence from the spot, including a detonator, SIM card, mobile phone, and a railway ticket. Despite the explosion, no train was directly hit and there were no casualties among railway personnel or passengers.
Senior police officials stated that the attack appeared to be targeted at critical infrastructure rather than targeting individuals, with the aim of disrupting Bharat’s economic progress.
Weapons and Explosives Recovered
Following the arrests, Punjab Police and the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) recovered a cache of arms and explosives based on disclosures by the accused.
The seizure included:
- Rocket-propelled grenade (RPG)
- Approximately 1.5 kg of RDX
- An IED weighing over 2 kg
- Hand grenades, detonators, and timer devices
- Pistols, ammunition, and communication equipment
The recoveries were made during raids in Tarn Taran district and are believed to be linked to a broader network.
Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) Claims Responsibility
The KTF, a banned terrorist organisation, reportedly claimed responsibility for the blast in a social media post attributed to its Germany-based handler, Jaswinder Multani.
Background of Jagroop Singh, The Main Accused
The suspect, who died while planting the IED, has been identified as Jagroop Singh, a resident of Panjwar village in Tarn Taran district, near Amritsar, which shares an international border with Pakistan.
According to police sources, Singh had actively campaigned for jailed MP Amritpal Singh’s ‘Waris Punjab De’ organisation during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Investigators are also examining his alleged links to a militant recruitment network identified as ‘Chalda Vaheer Chakarwarti’, which is suspected to have connections with handlers based across the border. Officials said such modules often target and recruit youth through ideological indoctrination.
Tarn Taran district has previously been flagged by security agencies for the presence of radical elements. It is also the region from where Amritpal Singh won the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Khadoor Sahib constituency.
International Links in the Probe
Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav indicated that the Shambhu blast was supported by a Malaysia-based
entity, including its financing channel routed via Malaysia by a handler named Jujhar Singh.
This exposes a wider global connection with the terror module.
Government Response
Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu visited the blast site and announced enhanced security measures, including the introduction of drone surveillance.
He also stated that railway authorities would intensify 24-hour patrolling along the freight corridor to prevent future incidents.
Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa condemned the attack, calling it a serious threat to critical infrastructure and national security.