In a major intelligence-led operation, State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), SAS Nagar, in coordination with Counter Intelligence Ludhiana, apprehends two Ludhiana-based accused who were planning a targeted killing on the directions of foreign-based handlers and recovers one 9 mm pistol along with 5 live cartridges. Preliminary investigation reveals that the arrested accused were in contact with UK and Germany-based handlers associated with the Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) and linked to hardline extremist ideology. On their directions, both arrested accused had conducted recce of government and prominent offices in Ludhiana as part of the conspiracy. Additionally, Both were tasked with gathering inputs & conducting groundwork related to a few more identified individuals. An FIR has been registered at PS SSOC SAS Nagar. Further investigation is underway to uncover forward and backward linkages.