The Punjab Police has uncovered a startling link between the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF), a banned terror outfit, and an individual allegedly serving in the British Army. This revelation emerged following an intense investigation into a series of bombings in Punjab and a recent encounter in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh. The probe has raised serious questions about the international dimensions of the Khalistan extremist network.

The Pilibhit Encounter and Key Revelations

On Monday, a joint operation between the Punjab and Uttar Pradesh Police led to an encounter in the Puranpur area of Pilibhit. Three suspected KZF operativesVarinder Singh (alias Ravi), Gurwinder Singh, and Jashanpreet Singh (alias Partap Singh)were killed. The suspects, armed with two AK-47 rifles and two Glock pistols, were linked to grenade attacks on police establishments in Punjab and other terror activities. These attacks included bombings at police posts and the homes of Hindu leaders in Punjab.

Punjab Police DGP Gaurav Yadav revealed that the module was orchestrated by KZF chief Ranjeet Singh Neeta, who is based in Pakistan, and managed operationally by Jaswinder Singh Mannu, a Greece-based handler. The investigation pointed to Jagjit Singh, a British Army soldier allegedly operating under the pseudonym Fateh Singh Baaghi, as the controller of the module. Jagjit Singh is also accused of running his own terror outfit from the Army called the Akaljit Khalistan Force (AKF). Police also say that he had been recruiting youths from Punjab with the allure of money and migration.

This module is controlled by Ranjeet Singh Nita, the chief of KZF, and operated by Jaswinder Singh Mannu, based in Greece, a resident of village Agwan. It is further controlled by Jagjit Singh, based in the UK and serving in the British Army. Jagjit Singh used the identity of Fateh Singh Baggi, Punjab Police DGP Gaurav Yadav said on X.

UK Defence Ministry Denial

While Punjab Police asserts Jagjit Singhs involvement, the UK Ministry of Defence has denied his presence in the British Army, stating no individual with that name is on their rolls. This contradiction has drawn attention to the complexities of the case.

Jagjit Singh, originally from Mianpur village in Tarn Taran, Punjab, has a family connection to the Indian Army. His father, Joginder Singh, a retired Subedar, confirmed that his son is employed in the British Army and has served in Afghanistan. Punjab Police claims Singh concealed his identity through the alias Fateh Singh Baaghi to orchestrate terror activities from abroad.

Pattern of Attacks

The Khalistan Zindabad Force has claimed responsibility for several incidents of violence in Punjab, including grenade attacks, bombings, and targeted assaults on police stations. Notable incidents include bomb attacks on the Bakshiwala Police Station in Kalanaur, a grenade attack on a police post in Gurdaspur and a bombing at the Asron village police post in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar.

These incidents were attributed to Ranjeet Singh Neeta and a Fateh Singh Baaghi. Intensive investigations by Punjab Police linked the pseudonym to Jagjit Singh, heightening suspicions about his role in the terror network.

Implications of the Investigation

DGP Yadav has stood by his forces findings, calling the case a major breakthrough against Pakistan-sponsored Khalistani extremism. The involvement of international handlers and operatives underscores the transnational nature of the network, which extends from Pakistan to Greece and the United Kingdom.