Punjab Police Director General Gaurav Yadav revealed on Thursday that the arrested Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist, Lajar Masih, was directly connected with Pakistan’s ISI and a key associate of Germany-based BKI operative Swaran Singh. According to the DGP, Masih is wanted for multiple criminal cases in Punjab.
The arrest took place in the Kokhraj police station area of Kaushambi district, Uttar Pradesh, through a joint operation by the Uttar Pradesh Police and Punjab Police. Masih, a resident of Kurlian village in Amritsar, was apprehended early Thursday morning.
In a post on social media platform X, DGP Yadav confirmed the operation, stating, “In a well-coordinated joint operation by Uttar Pradesh Police & Punjab Police, an active operative of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and ISI, Lajar Masih, was arrested from the Kokhraj police station area, Kaushambi (UP).” Yadav also added that Masih had been working under Swaran Singh, an associate of Pakistan-based BKI mastermind Harwinder Rinda and US-based operative Happy Passian.
The police recovered a significant cache of arms and explosives from Masih, including three hand grenades, two detonators, 13 cartridges, and a foreign-made pistol. UP STF and local police safely disposed of the explosives. Masih had previously escaped judicial custody in Punjab on September 29, 2024.
The DGP emphasized the importance of this breakthrough, stating, “This significant development underscores the unwavering commitment of @PunjabPoliceInd and @Uppolice to national security. We remain vigilant and dedicated to neutralizing terrorist networks and ensuring the safety and security of citizens.” Further investigations into the case are ongoing.