Security alert: Multiple terror plots intercepted across India before Republic Day

As India prepares for the 77th Republic Day on January 26, security agencies across the country have foiled multiple terror and threat plots, making arrests, seizing weapons and explosives, and acting on intelligence warnings of coordinated attacks.

In Punjab , the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar, and local police dismantled two terror modules linked to the banned Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) , a militant group advocating for a separate Sikh state and designated as a terrorist organization in India and abroad. In Amritsar , operative Sharanpreet Singh was arrested with a P-86 hand grenade, a 9 mm Glock pistol with live rounds, and methamphetamine. Investigations revealed he was transporting explosives and handling illegal funds under orders from foreign-based BKI handlers.

In Hoshiarpur , four BKI operatives were arrested and a 2.5 kg RDX-based improvised explosive device (IED) along with pistols and ammunition was recovered. Officials said the IED was intended for a targeted attack during Republic Day celebrations. FIRs have been registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosive Substances Act , and investigations continue to trace domestic and international links.

In Manipur , a Republic Day terror plot was foiled when Assam Rifles and Manipur Police intercepted a suspicious Bolero vehicle on the Jiribam–Tipaimukh road. Two suspects tried to flee but were arrested after a chase. Authorities recovered 30 gelatin sticks, 20 detonators, fuses, wires, ₹1 lakh in cash, and the vehicle , all materials commonly used to make IEDs. The probe is ongoing to trace the source of the explosives and terror network links.

Across the country, intelligence agencies have issued alerts about potential plots backed by foreign handlers , including a Pakistan ISI-linked conspiracy code-named “26-26.” Security forces in Delhi and other sensitive regions have heightened vigilance, issued wanted notices, and deployed multi-layered measures to prevent any disruption to celebrations.

Authorities also acted against non-violent but provocative threats. In Delhi , FIRs were filed against extremist figures accused of attempting to incite unrest abroad, including threats to raise Khalistani flags during Republic Day events in Europe.

Several states reported hoax threats prompting heightened security checks. In Gurdaspur, Punjab , and Ahmedabad, Gujarat , schools received bomb threat emails, triggering evacuations. In Gurdaspur, two individuals were arrested for unlawful possession of firearms, though no explosives were found.

Officials emphasized that while Punjab and Manipur saw the most direct foiling of terror plots, the nationwide security measures reflect a coordinated effort across India to prevent violent or disruptive activity ahead of Republic Day 2026.