BATALA :Ahead of Independence Day, police here launched Operation Prahar 4.0 to thwart any attempt to disturb peace and was successful in detaining two juveniles allegedly involved in the grenade attack on the Urban Estate Police Chowki on August 1.Deputy inspector general (DIG), Border Range, Harmanbir Singh Gill informed on Monday that the investigations have revealed that three persons were allegedly involved in the attack.While two juveniles have been apprehended, efforts are underway to trace the third suspect. Police are also verifying whether the absconding accused is a juvenile or an adult, he added.Commending the efforts of senior superintendent of police (SSP) Batala Mehtab Singh and his team, the DIG said Operation Prahar 4.0, which commenced at 4am on Monday, will continue until Tuesday and may be extended further if required.To strengthen the drive, Batala Police have been reinforced with personnel from the law and order wing, around 20 gazetted officers, and more than 1,000 police personnel to intensify searches and apprehend proclaimed offenders and those wanted in heinous criminal cases.Sources informed that the operation comes against the backdrop of a of grenade incidents in the police districts allegedly orchestrated by foreign-based terror handlers using local modules, coupled with an increase in cross-border smuggling activities.Providing details of the operation, Gill said that since its launch, police have arrested 102 persons, recovered two Glock pistols, and seized narcotics in multiple raids.Referring to the grenade attack, the DIG said, “Three persons were involved in hurling the grenade. We have detained two juveniles, while efforts are on to arrest the third accused. Several individuals often claim responsibility for such incidents merely to gain publicity. However, anti-national elements are luring misguided youth with small amounts of money to carry out such acts.”He appealed to the youngsters not to be influenced by extremist propaganda or social media narratives, warning that those who fall into such traps ultimately face imprisonment and severe legal consequences.Police sources said Operation Prahar 4.0 was launched following intelligence inputs indicating the possibility of criminal or terror-related activities ahead of Independence Day.
