'Terror module': Two ISI-linked operatives injured in Ludhiana; grenades, weapons seized

NEW DELHI: Two men suspected of working for an ISI-backed "terror module" were injured in an encounter with Ludhiana Police on Thursday after they allegedly opened fire during a police operation. Officers had laid a trap based on intelligence that a Pakistan-based handler had instructed the duo to exchange grenades at specific locations. Ludhiana Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma said the suspects fired at the police when they were intercepted, prompting retaliatory firing. One man was hit by three bullets, and the other by one. Both were taken to a hospital, where one is reported to be in critical condition. Sharma said the module was being run through virtual numbers by an ISI handler based in Pakistan. “They used to receive calls from a virtual number operating from Pakistan;