'Babbar Khalsa International operative' held in UP's Kaushambi

Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], March 6 (ANI): In a joint operation, the Uttar Pradesh Police and Punjab Police arrested an active operative of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and Pakistan's ISI, identified as Lajar Masih, from the Kokhraj police station area in Uttar Pradesh's Kaushambi, officials said.
The arrest comes nearly five months after Masih escaped from judicial custody while undergoing treatment at Guru Nanak Dev Hospital in Amritsar on the night of September 24, 2024.
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said that Masih was working under Germany-based BKI operative Swaran Singh alias Jiwan Fauji and was in direct contact with Pakistan's ISI. As per the information, Swaran Singh is a key associate of Pakistan-based BKI mastermind Harwinder Rinda and USA-based BKI operative Happy Passian.
A large cache of arms and explosives was recovered from Masih, including three hand grenades, two gelatine rods, two detonators, one foreign-made 7.62MM Norinco M-54 Tokarev (USSR) pistol, and 13 cartridges, DGP Yadav said.
According to officials, Masih was wanted in multiple criminal cases in Punjab, including a case registered under the Explosives Act at Kambo police station in Amritsar Rural. He allegedly assisted Jiwan Fauji in transporting explosives, weapons, and drugs.
He was also wanted in a case registered at the Jhander police station in Amritsar, where he allegedly provided weapons and logistical support for target killings in the Kalanaur and Dera Baba Nanak areas, they said.
Further investigations into the case are underway, they added. (ANI)