The arrest of three militants and recovery of a large cache of drugs and weapons from Rajasthan in the past few days is worrying police and intelligence agencies in Punjab. They suspect the material — and the men — was meant to revive militancy in the state.

A few days ago, Rajasthan police arrested a smuggler Sode Khan and seized 48 kilograms of heroin (worth about Rs 48 crore in international market) and more than half a dozen 9 mm pistols from him. Khan reportedly confessed that the consignment, smuggled in from Pakistan three months ago, was meant for militants in Punjab.

“During interrogation of the accused, the fact came to light that these weapons and drugs were meant for Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), the sikh militant group operating in Punjab,” a senior intelligence official said.

Police said BKI operatives Jagmohan Singh of Bassi Pathana and Harpreet Singh alias Happy of Mundi Kharar had gone to Barmer to collect the consignment from Khan but their car broke down on the way and by the time they got there, police had arrested Khan.

Police believes the two BKI operatives had made several trips to Barmer before they were arrested and returned—many times, if not always—with guns and drugs for their outfit.

Sources said intelligence agencies have told the Punjab police that terrorists are regrouping in the state and trying to smuggle weapons and drugs through Rajasthan. Militants have smuggled in weapons and drugs from this route earlier as well.

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