Batala (Punjab) [India], May 20: In a major breakthrough, Punjab Police dismantled a terror module linked to the banned outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), which is reportedly backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The operation resulted in the arrest of six operatives following an encounter in Batala, where a failed grenade attack had recently taken place on a liquor vend.
According to Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, the arrested individuals have been identified as Jatin Kumar alias Rohan, Barinder Singh alias Sajan, Rahul Masih, Abraham alias Rohit, Sohit, and Sunil Kumar. The operatives were allegedly receiving direct instructions from BKI handlers Maninder Billa, based in Portugal, and Mannu Agwan, who recently assumed operational command of BKI following the arrest of Happy Passian in the United States.
DGP Yadav shared on X that Jatin Kumar was injured in a shootout while being taken to recover weapons. He opened fire on the police team and sustained injuries in retaliatory action. He is currently undergoing treatment at Civil Hospital, Batala. A 30-bore pistol was recovered during the operation.
A case has been registered at Police Station Civil Lines, Batala, under applicable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
In a related crackdown, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids on Friday at 15 locations across Punjab—including Gurdaspur, Batala, Amritsar, and Kapurthala—in connection with a grenade attack on Gurdaspur’s Ghanie Ke Bangar police station in December 2023.
During the searches, the NIA seized mobile phones, digital devices, and other incriminating documents. The probe focuses on individuals linked to US-based BKI operative and gangster Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passian, and his associates Shamsher Singh Shera alias Honey, among others operating from various countries.
Happy, a key aide of Pakistan-based BKI terrorist Harwinder Singh alias Rinda, is suspected of orchestrating multiple grenade attacks across Punjab and Haryana.
According to the NIA, BKI operatives overseas are involved in a widespread conspiracy to recruit and train individuals in India, and supply them with funding, weapons, and explosives to carry out terrorist activities.
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