An active terrorist of the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) with alleged connections to Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), was apprehended by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) in collaboration with Punjab Police in the early hours of Thursday.
The accused, identified as Lajar Masih, a resident of Kurlian village in the Ramdas area of Amritsar, Punjab, was arrested around 3:20 am in the Kokhraj police station area of Kaushambi district, according to Additional Director General of Police (UP Special Task Force, Law and Order) Amitabh Yash.
"As per available information, the arrested terrorist works for Swarn Singh alias Jeevan Fauji, the head of the Germany-based module of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), and is in direct touch with Pakistan-based ISI operatives," Yash stated.
Director General of Punjab Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav confirmed that Masih was actively working under Swaran Singh, who is closely associated with Pakistan-based BKI mastermind Harwinder Rinda and United States-based BKI operative Happy Passian.
The police have launched further investigations to determine the extent of his involvement in terrorist activities.
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A cache of arms and explosives was recovered from Masih, including three active hand grenades, two detonators, a foreign-made pistol, and 13 cartridges of foreign origin.
Security personnel also seized a white explosive powder, an Aadhaar card listing a Ghaziabad address, and a mobile phone without a SIM card.
The explosive materials have since been safely disposed of by security personnel.
DGP Yadav cited the significance of the arrest, stating, “This significant breakthrough underscores the unwavering commitment of @PunjabPoliceInd and @Uppolice to national security. We remain vigilant and dedicated to neutralising terrorist networks and ensuring the safety and security of citizens.”
According to the Uttar Pradesh STF, the operation was carried out based on intelligence inputs.
The arrested terrorist is believed to have worked under Swaran Singh, the head of the Germany-based BKI module, and maintained direct communication with ISI operatives in Pakistan.
Police records indicate that Masih had previously escaped from judicial custody in Punjab on 24 September 2024. His movements had been under surveillance, leading to his eventual capture in Uttar Pradesh.
Authorities are now investigating whether he had plotted fresh terror activities in the country. Further inquiries are underway.
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