New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has recovered three hand grenades and a pistol in connection with the Amritsar temple grenade attack, revealing a large-scale transnational terror conspiracy involving a major arms and explosives syndicate.

The hand grenades were found in Bhamri village near Batala, Punjab, following disclosures made by the accused, Sharanjeet Kumar alias Sunny. The NIA also recovered a .30 bore pistol, which was provided to Sharanjeet by his foreign-based handlers as part of this conspiracy aimed at disturbing peace and harmony in Punjab. The seized explosives and arms have been sent for forensic and technical analysis.

Sharanjeet, who was arrested by the NIA from Gaya, Bihar, last Friday, played an active role in the grenade attack on the Thakurdwara Sanatan temple in Amritsar, executed by bike-borne assailants Gursidak Singh and Vishal Gill on March 15.

The investigation uncovered that the attack was carried out under instructions from handlers based abroad. Sharanjeet's interrogation led investigators to the location where the grenades were hidden.

He revealed that the grenades were part of four he received on March 1, 2025. He had handed one grenade to the attackers two days before the assault. Investigations so far indicate the involvement of terrorist handlers operating out of Europe, the United States, and Canada.

These handlers reportedly supplied terror hardware, funds, logistical support, and detailed target information to operatives in India with the intent to spread terror in Punjab and other parts of the country. The NIA is continuing its probe into the matter.

With inputs from ANI