BKI Operative Lajar Masih Arrested in Joint UP-Punjab Police Operation: Weapons, Explosives Recovered
Punjab and UP Police Joint Operation Leads to Arrest of BKI Operative Lajar Masih
Chandigarh, March 6 – In a successful joint operation, Punjab Police and Uttar Pradesh Police have apprehended Lajar Masih, an active operative of the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), with direct ties to Pakistan’s ISI. The arrest took place in the Kokhraj police station area of Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh. This marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating in the region.
The arrest comes five months after Lajar Masih escaped from judicial custody during his treatment at Guru Nanak Dev Hospital in Amritsar on the night of September 24, 2024. Following his escape, Punjab Police had launched an extensive manhunt to capture Masih, who was linked to numerous criminal activities, including terrorism and narcotics trafficking.
Key Arrest in Punjab’s Ongoing Fight Against Terrorism
According to Gaurav Yadav, Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab, Lajar Masih was directly involved in several high-profile cases related to terrorism, arms trafficking, and explosives smuggling. Masih was operating under the guidance of Swaran Singh alias Jiwan Fauji, a Germany-based BKI operative. His activities were closely coordinated with Pakistan’s ISI, further complicating the international scope of his operations.
Masih’s handler, Jiwan Fauji, is known to be one of the key associates of Harwinder Rinda, a Pakistan-based BKI mastermind, and Happy Passian, an operative operating out of the USA. Together, this network of terrorists has been implicated in various violent acts across the region, with the goal of destabilizing the area and creating chaos.
Significant Recovery: Explosives, Weapons, and Ammunition Seized
In addition to his arrest, a substantial cache of arms and explosives was recovered from Lajar Masih during his detention. Among the items seized were:
- Three hand grenades
- Two gelatine rods
- Two detonators
- One foreign-made 7.62MM Norinco M-54 Tokarev pistol (USSR) along with 13 cartridges
This recovery highlights the serious nature of the threat posed by Masih and his connections to terrorist organizations. The explosive materials found with him suggest a planned or imminent act of violence, likely to target vulnerable locations within the state.
Criminal Cases Against Lajar Masih
Masih, a native of Village Kurlian in Amritsar, has been involved in multiple criminal cases within Punjab. He is wanted in connection with a case filed under the Explosives Act at Kambo Police Station in Amritsar Rural, where he was implicated in assisting Jiwan Fauji in transporting explosives, weapons, and drugs between various locations. His actions contributed to the escalation of violence in the state, including facilitating target killings in the areas of Kalanaur and Dera Baba Nanak, under the direct orders of his handler.
In another major case at Jhander Police Station, Masih is alleged to have provided weapons and logistical support for planned target killings, showcasing his integral role in the operations of the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).
Punjab Police’s Commitment to Security
Following Masih’s arrest, DGP Gaurav Yadav reiterated Punjab Police’s commitment to ensuring public safety and working tirelessly to secure the state from terrorist threats and criminal activities. He assured that the police would continue their efforts to break up the terrorist network, bring its members to justice, and safeguard Punjab’s peace.
The arrest of Lajar Masih is a crucial development in the ongoing efforts to curb terrorism and criminal activities in Punjab. The state police have been focusing on tackling the BKI and other terrorist outfits linked to Pakistan, and this arrest is seen as a significant blow to these networks.
Ongoing Investigations and Next Steps
The investigations into Lajar Masih’s activities are still ongoing. Punjab Police are now working closely with their counterparts in Uttar Pradesh to gather more information about his terrorist affiliations and the extent of his involvement in other planned attacks. Authorities are also delving deeper into his connections with ISI, seeking to uncover any larger plans or conspiracies that may have been in motion.
Further arrests and operations are anticipated as the investigation continues. Law enforcement agencies are committed to dismantling the terrorist infrastructure operating in Punjab and ensuring that individuals involved in terror-related activities face the full force of the law.
A Collaborative Effort Against Terrorism
This joint operation between Punjab Police and Uttar Pradesh Police underscores the importance of inter-state collaboration in tackling national security threats. The arrest of Lajar Masih demonstrates the combined strength and coordination between different police forces in fighting terrorism and organized crime.
Conclusion
The arrest of Lajar Masih, an active operative of the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) with strong ties to Pakistan’s ISI, serves as a vital step forward in the fight against terrorism and organized crime in Punjab. With the recovery of explosives, weapons, and ammunition, authorities have prevented a potential attack, protecting citizens and maintaining public order.
As the investigation continues, the Punjab Police remain determined to uncover further details about Masih’s network and connections, working relentlessly to secure Punjab and protect its citizens from the threats posed by terrorist organizations.