2 Indian nationals deported over suspected rail bombing in Punjab

PETALING JAYA: Two Indian nationals wanted in connection with the bombing of a railway track in Punjab were deported to their home country today.

Bukit Aman criminal investigation department chief M Kumar said the suspects were sent home following a request from Indian authorities to locate and arrest them.

“The operation reflects Malaysia’s continued commitment to combating transnational crime and strengthening international security collaboration,” said Kumar in a statement.

“Malaysia is not a safe haven for individuals fleeing criminal prosecution in their home countries.”

The duo are believed to be among four people involved in an April 27 incident in which an improvised explosive device detonated on a railway line in Patiala, Punjab, causing damage to the track and triggering an investigation into a wider sabotage network.

News outlet The Hindu said the suspects were “radicalised habitual criminals” who were running a Khalistani terror module.

The April 28 report said the group’s leader was in contact with “Khalistani terrorists” based in Malaysia and Pakistan-based arms suppliers.

The Khalistan movement pushes for an autonomous Sikh nation carved from India’s predominantly Hindu regions and is considered a security threat by the Indian government.