Chandigarh (Punjab) [India]: In a joint operation conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) and Punjab Police, Lajar Masih, an active terrorist of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) with direct links to Pakistan’s ISI, was apprehended on Thursday. The operation took place in the Kokhraj police station area of Kaushambi district, Uttar Pradesh, around 3:20 am.
According to Director General of Punjab Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, Lajar Masih is a key associate of Germany-based BKI operative Swaran Singh alias Jeevan Fauji. Singh is known to be closely connected to Pakistan-based BKI mastermind Harwinder Rinda and USA-based BKI operative Happy Passian.
In a social media post on X, DGP Yadav stated:
“In a well-coordinated joint operation by Uttar Pradesh Police & Punjab Police, an active operative of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and ISI, Lajar Masih s/o Kulwinder, a resident of Village Kurlian, PS Ramdas, Amritsar, Punjab, has been arrested from the Kokhraj police station area, Kaushambi (UP).”
Arms and Explosives Recovered
During the operation, a significant cache of arms and explosives was recovered from Lajar Masih, including:
- Three active hand grenades
- Two active detonators
- 13 cartridges
- One foreign-made pistol
The UP STF and police personnel promptly disposed of the explosives to ensure public safety.
Criminal Background and Escape from Custody
Authorities revealed that Lajar Masih was wanted in multiple criminal cases in Punjab. He had previously escaped from judicial custody in the state on September 29, 2024. His direct links to the Germany-based BKI module and Pakistan’s ISI highlight the transnational nature of the terror network.
DGP’s Statement on National Security
DGP Gaurav Yadav emphasized the significance of this breakthrough, 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.”
Ongoing Investigations
The police have stated that further investigations are underway to uncover the full extent of the terror network and its operations. Authorities are also probing into the links between BKI operatives based in Germany, Pakistan, and the USA.