NIA chargesheets two in Pakistan-linked terror conspiracy to target passenger train

New Delhi, Aug 7 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday filed a chargesheet against two accused in an alleged cross-border terror conspiracy involving the smuggling of an improvised explosive device (IED), firearms and heroin from Pakistan for use in planned terror attacks in India, including a plot to target a passenger train.

The chargesheet was filed before the NIA Special Court in Mohali against the arrested accused Shubham Kumar and the absconding accused Jasvir Chaudhary. Both have been booked under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Explosive Substances Act, the Arms Act, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Railways Act.

The case was originally registered by the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar, in February 2026 following Kumar’s arrest. According to investigators, he was allegedly found carrying a live IED concealed in a metallic case, a remote-control device, a foreign-made .30 bore pistol with a magazine, 20 live cartridges, heroin and a mobile phone.

The NIA, which took over the probe in March 2026, said its investigation uncovered a larger conspiracy involving a Pakistan-based handler and operatives in India engaged in procuring and transporting explosives, arms and narcotics through cross-border channels.

According to the agency, Kumar had allegedly been tasked with planting a timer-operated IED on a passenger train with the intention of causing large-scale casualties. The investigation further revealed that the conspiracy extended beyond a single target, with plans to carry out attacks at multiple locations in Punjab and Delhi to inflict damage, spread panic and threaten national security.

The agency said it has gathered substantial oral, documentary and digital evidence supporting the alleged conspiracy and the involvement of the accused.

While the chargesheet has been filed within the prescribed statutory period, the investigation remains underway to identify and apprehend other members of the alleged Pakistan-based terror network and trace the routes used to smuggle explosives, weapons and narcotics into India, say officials.

–IANS

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