Patiala Rail Blast: Pro-Khalistan Module Busted, Four Arrested

A major terror plot targeting railway infrastructure in Punjab was foiled after a suspected member of a pro-Khalistan terror module was killed while attempting to plant an explosive device on a freight railway corridor track in Patiala district, while four other members of the network were arrested , police said.

The explosion occurred late Monday night near Bothonia village on the Shambhu-Ambala stretch of the Dedicated Freight Corridor between Rajpura and Shambhu. Initially believed to be a low-intensity blast, investigators later confirmed it was an attempted sabotage using an improvised explosive device (IED) that detonated prematurely while being planted on the track.

The suspected bomber, identified as Jagrup Singh of Panjwar village in Tarn Taran district , died on the spot when the explosive device exploded while he was placing it beneath the railway line. The blast created a small crater and scattered body parts across the explosion site , officials said.

Authorities said a coal-laden freight train passed along the corridor shortly after the explosion , and the locomotive pilot reported feeling a sudden jerk before raising the alarm, prompting an immediate response from railway and police officials.

Within hours of the incident, Punjab Police arrested four alleged members of the terror module — Pardeep Singh Khalsa, Kulwinder Singh, Satnam Singh and Gurpreet Singh . Investigators identified Khalsa as the suspected kingpin with links to Malaysia-based pro-Khalistan handlers and contacts with Pakistan-based arms suppliers.

During searches, police recovered a hand grenade, pistols, ammunition and detonator communication devices , along with electronic equipment allegedly used to coordinate the operation.

Investigators also recovered a SIM card, a damaged mobile phone, a train ticket and a motorcycle believed to have been used by the suspect. CCTV footage and technical surveillance helped trace his movements before the blast.

Police are also probing possible links between the Patiala incident and the January 2026 blast on the freight corridor in Sirhind , which had damaged a train engine and injured a loco pilot. Authorities have tightened security along major railway routes .