The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday conducted searches at six locations, five in Jammu district and one in Tarn-Taran district of Punjab, in connection with investigation of a narco-terror module related to seizure of about 61 kg heroin along with arms and ammunitions on September 20 last year at the  international border at Arnia, Jammu.

The searches were conducted at the residences of six accused persons— Jasraj Singh, Sham Lal, Bishan Dass, Ajeet Kumar, Gurbaksh Singh and Gurpartap Singh.

“These accused persons were arrested for hatching a criminal conspiracy for carrying out anti-national and unlawful activities, and to help the terrorist organisations by collecting funds and channelizing the proceeds of drugs for furthering the activities of such terrorist organisations like Babbar Khalsa International (BKI),” the NIA said in a statement.

Gurpratap Singh of Tarn-Taran district of Punjab is the kingpin of this module. In the second week of September, 2020, Gurpratap Singh had received 10 kg heroin from Pakistan-based handlers through his associates. The consignment in the case was also intended to be received by Gurpratap Singh to fund the activities of BKI in Punjab, it said.

During the searches conducted on Thursday, digital devices and other incriminating documents having financial details and accounts numbers have been seized for further scrutiny and analysis, it added.

Originally registered as case FIR No. 65/2020 on September 20, 2020 at Police Station Arnia, Jammu under various Indian Penal Code Sections relating to criminal conspiracy, attempt to murder and waging war against the nation and provisions of the Arms Act in connection with unprovoked firing at a police patrolling party from Pakistan side to provide cover for the smuggling activity. Sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act were added subsequently during investigation. The case was re-registered by NIA on November 26 and taken up for investigation.