LUDHIANA, May 18, 2026 – A joint operation conducted by the Ludhiana Commissionerate Police and the Counter Intelligence wing of Punjab has disrupted a cross-border terror-gangster network, resulting in the apprehension of two operatives and the seizure of multiple unlicensed weapons.
The security forces arrested Anuraj, also known as Gaurav Masih, and Ankush, both hailing from the Phillaur region of Jalandhar district. Director General of Police Punjab Gaurav Yadav declared that the specialized operation successfully intercepted the individuals before they could execute pre-planned, high-profile targeted attacks in the state.
“Preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused were acting on directions of foreign-based handlers operating from Germany and Dubai, UAE, and had been assigned high-profile targeted shootings,” Yadav stated.
The state’s top police official noted that the timely arrests neutralized an immediate threat to public safety. He asserted that comprehensive tracking is underway to map out the network’s entire operational chain, aiming to expose both domestic associates and procurement channels linked to the group.
The field team recovered three illegal firearms, comprising two .30 bore pistols and one .315 bore pistol, alongside 11 live cartridges. Law enforcement personnel also seized an unregistered motorcycle utilized by the suspects during their movements. Records indicate that Ankush is a repeat offender with a prior attempt-to-murder charge registered against him at the Goraya police station.
Ludhiana Commissioner of Police Swapan Sharma noted that the arrests took place during a specialized deployment near the Ladowal police station limits. Acting on specific intelligence regarding armed operatives stationed near the Hardy’s World commercial area, tactical teams advanced on the location to secure the suspects.
“These overseas handlers utilised their network to supply high-grade weapons to the arrested operatives and had assigned them specific, high-value targets,” Sharma asserted.
The commissioner stated that during their initial questioning, the suspects detailed their connection to an organized, transnational criminal framework managed by external controllers. Following the operation, a criminal case was registered at the Ladowal police station under the Arms Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
