Patna: A 15-year-old boy from Bhojpur district has been arrested by Ludhiana Police for his alleged involvement in a Pakistan-backed terror module. The arrest took place on November 20, following an overnight operation in a village near Ara. Investigators claim the minor was trained by ISI handlers to execute grenade attacks in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Bihar.
The Ludhiana Police team reached Bhojpur on the evening of November 19 and launched a raid early the next morning. The minor attempted to flee but was detained after officers warned of stringent action.
Authorities have also arrested four other accused linked to the module—two of them after an encounter in Ludhiana on November 20. Police recovered Chinese-made grenades, pistols, and over 40 cartridges.
Police Claim Minor Was Trained to Throw Grenades at Crowded, High-Security Areas
According to Ludhiana Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma, the minor was chosen by a Pakistani handler identified as Jasvir Chaudhary after an earlier recruit backed out. Investigators say he had already conducted recces of potential targets and sent videos to his handler through social media. Training material on grenade handling was reportedly shared via YouTube links.
Police believe the module had planned attacks on government buildings, sensitive installations, markets, and crowded public spaces.
Family Says Boy Went Astray After Parents’ Death
Back in Bhojpur, relatives described the boy as troubled and difficult to control after losing both parents. His father was a former athlete, and his sister recently topped the district Intermediate examination.
A paternal uncle said that the minor was “fond of luxury” and had fallen into criminal circles early. He added that the family had legally severed ties due to his violent behaviour.
“He used to fight at home over property and demand his share of land and jewellery,” the uncle said. He claimed the family fears retaliation if the minor is released in the future.
History of Crime, Run-Ins With Delhi Police
Relatives revealed the boy had earlier fled to Delhi after disputes in the village. There, he allegedly connected with arms suppliers and criminal networks. Delhi Cyber Cell had previously detained him after a photo of him holding a weapon surfaced on social media. He spent time at Tihar Juvenile Home before being shifted to Ara Juvenile Home, from where he escaped briefly.
Police records show he has been involved in arms trafficking from Madhya Pradesh and a firing incident related to extortion in Bihar.
Role of Rahul, Currently in Lucknow Jail
Police said the minor was introduced to the Pakistani handler through Rahul, a Bhojpur resident currently lodged in Lucknow jail. The two allegedly communicated over Facebook and WhatsApp. Investigators are now examining the digital trail and bank accounts linked to the accused.
Two Associates Injured in Ludhiana Encounter
The two men injured in the Ludhiana encounter—Deepak and Ram Lal, residents of Rajasthan—were allegedly sent by handlers to collect Chinese grenades and execute multiple attacks across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Bihar. They are believed to be linked to operatives of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
Commissioner Sharma said Pakistan-based networks are increasingly using criminals from other states to conceal their identity and evade Punjab Police surveillance.
Weapons Seized; Investigation Expands
Police have seized two 86P Chinese hand grenades, five .30-bore pistols, and 40 live cartridges. A preliminary probe links the arrested accused to an earlier ISI-backed module busted on November 13, in which 10 suspects were detained.
Investigators say the latest module was preparing for imminent attacks, with handlers directing operations via social media and jailed gang operatives. Further arrests are likely as agencies cross-check call records, financial transactions, and international connections.
