Ludhiana, Jan. 8 -- In a major intelligence-led crackdown, the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Mohali, in coordination with the Counter Intelligence, Ludhiana, foiled a planned targeted killing by arresting two Ludhiana-based men allegedly acting on the directions of foreign-based extremist handlers. A 9mm pistol and five live cartridges were recoveredfrom their possession, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said on Wednesday. The arrested accused have been identified as Karanbir Singh, 21, a resident of Haibowal Kalan, Ludhiana, and Avtar Singh alias Tari, 34, of New Shimlapuri, Millerganj, Ludhiana. Police said Avtar had a criminal history, with multiple cases registered against him under the Arms Act and the IPC, while Karanbir has no cases. Yadav said the preliminary investigation revealed that the duo was in direct contact with handlers based in the UK and Germany, linked to the Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) and hardline extremist ideology. Acting on their instructions, the accused had allegedly conducted reconnaissance of government buildings and prominent offices in Ludhiana as part of a broader conspiracy to execute a targeted attack. The investigation further revealed that the two were also tasked with collecting inputs and carrying out groundwork related to several individuals, indicating a wider network and a potentially larger plot. Sharing operational details, AIG SSOC Mohali, D Sudarvizhi, said following specific and credible intelligence about the conspiracy, a joint team of SSOC and Counter Intelligence, Ludhiana, launched a precision operation and arrested both accused from Ludhiana. " The AIG added that the probe had also revealed that both men were radicalised and recruited by their foreign-based handlers, and were instructed to circulate extremist content on social media as part of their assignment. "Further investigation is underway to establish both forward and backward linkages in the case," she added. In this connection, a case has been registered at the SSOC police station under Sections 113 (5) and 61 (2) of the BNS. Police said the operation had averted a serious threat to public safety and probe was continuing to dismantle the entire network. According to police, the accused came in contact with one of the handlers Kulwant Singh Mann Khalsa, who is living abroad. Khalsa added the duo on a WhatsApp group and radicalised them. He gave them the task of doing recce of right-wing leaders and government offices in the city. The accused clicked pictures of their houses and offices and sent them to him. Karanbir used to help his father in his hosiery business, while Avtar used to work as an agent in the court complex. Later, he became a Nihang....