'Punjab gangsters foot soldiers': Delhi, UP on alert as Intel flags Khalistani, Bangladesh-linked terror threats

INtelligence agencies feature reportedly issued an qui vive warning that Khalistani terrorist organisations and Bangladesh-based threat outfits may try to aim Delhi and several other cities across the country with Republic Day (January 26) approaching.An intelligence alert has flagged increasing activity of Punjab-based gangsters who are purportedly acting as foot soldiers for Khalistani and radical handlers operating from abroad, news agency ANI reported."Ahead of January 26, intelligence agencies have issued an alert warning that Khalistani terrorist organisations and Bangladesh-based terror outfits may attempt to target Delhi and several other cities across the country," the agency quoted Intelligence sources.HT could not independently verify the information."According to the intelligence alert, Punjab-based gangsters are increasingly acting as foot soldiers for Khalistani and radical handlers operating from abroad. These handlers are allegedly using criminal networks to further their agendas and disrupt internal security," the above-mentioned sources said.The alert states that these gangsters are active across Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, the sources said, adding that they are "gradually establishing links with Khalistani terrorist elements."Security is upped in parts of the country around Republic Day every year.In Delhi, security arrangements are tighter this Republic Day as it comes months after the Red Fort blast in which a car exploded near the iconic monment, leaving over a dozen dead. The incident later exposed a massive terror module.Ahead of the Republic Day parade on January 26, North District Police conducted a series of simulated mock drills at vulnerable and crowded locations to check the preparedness and response time of various stakeholders and agencies.Four mock drill exercises were conducted during the first fortnight of January 2026 at sensitive locations across North Delhi, including vital installations, historical places, prominent markets and transport hubs, where large numbers of people gather daily.These areas include Red Fort, ISBT Kashmere Gate, Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli, Sadar Bazar and Metro stations, which are considered highly sensitive from a security perspective, ANI reported.At least 30 tableaux will roll down Kartavya Path during the Republic Day Parade, displaying India's rich cultural heritage and developmental achievements.The tableaux will be presented under the themes "'Svatantrata Ka Mantr - Vande Maataram' and 'Samrddhi Ka Mantr - Aatmanirbhar Bhaarat' ("The mantra of freedom - Vande Mataram" and "The mantra of prosperity - Atmanirbhar Bharat"), which also marks 150 years of the national song "Vande Mataram."