NIA to investigate two cases of terrorism in Punjab in US

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over two cases of alleged terror plots in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, both related to radicalization and recruitment of Indian youth through social media.

In Punjab, the state police registered a case regarding the petrol bomb attack on the office of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Upli Road in Sangrur on 26 July 2026. Two persons, Happy Singh and Jaspreet Singh, were arrested in the case and investigations revealed that the attack was allegedly linked to a conspiracy by the Khalistan Liberation Army.

The accused disclosed that they were recruited by a manipulator from a “neighboring country” through social media. The Union Home Ministry took cognizance of the findings and handed over the case to the NIA for a thorough investigation.

The second case was filed with the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in April 2026. The ATS received information about the alleged radicalization of Indian youth by Pakistan-based manipulators using various social media platforms with the intention of carrying out terrorist attacks.

The accused in the First Information Report include Tushar Chauhan alias Hijbullah Ali Khan, a resident of Meerut in Uttar Pradesh; Sameer from old Seemapuri in Delhi; and alleged Pakistan-based ISI operatives Shahzad Bhatti, Mohammed Hamad Barkati, Abid Jatt, Major Hamid, Major Iqbal and Major Anwar.

Police arrested Tushar Chauhan alias Hijbullah Ali Khan and Sameer after arms and ammunition were allegedly seized from them. One of the accused revealed that he was in contact with the manipulators through a messaging application. He was allegedly instructed by Shahzad Bhatti to throw grenades at the residences of certain Hindu leaders and kill them. The accused was offered ₹50,000 upfront and ₹2.50 lakh on completion of the job and was also promised that he would be issued with a passport and sent to Dubai.

Published – 12 Nov 2026 14:32 IST