In a major anti-terror breakthrough, a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist with alleged ties to Pakistan’s ISI was arrested early Thursday morning in a joint operation by the Punjab Police and Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF).
The arrested terrorist, identified as Lazar Masih, is a resident of Amritsar, Punjab and is reportedly a close associate of Swarn Singh alias Jeevan Fauji, who operates BKI’s Germany-based module.
High-Stakes Midnight Arrest
Masih was apprehended in Kaushambi at around 3:20 am, following a meticulously planned intelligence-driven operation.
During the arrest, security forces seized a cache of illegal arms and explosives, including, three hand grenades, two detonators, a 7.62 mm Russian pistol, 13 live cartridges, explosives, including a suspicious white-colored powder, an Aadhaar card with a Ghaziabad address and a mobile phone without a SIM card.
Additional Director General of Police (UP STF, Law & Order) Amitabh Yash confirmed Masih’s links to the Pakistan-based ISI and BKI’s Germany module.
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“As per available information, the arrested terrorist works for Swarn Singh alias Jeevan Fauji, the head of the Germany-based module of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), and is in direct touch with Pakistan-based ISI operatives,” the India Today quoted Yash as saying..
Masih was also a wanted fugitive, having escaped from judicial custody in Punjab on September 24, 2024. His capture marks a significant success in India’s counter-terrorism efforts.
BKI’s Growing Threat and International Links
Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) is a banned Khalistani militant outfit known for its separatist agenda and violent operations. The group has deep-rooted connections with Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI, and its overseas modules, particularly in Germany, Canada, and the UK.
Indian security agencies have been closely monitoring BKI’s movements, especially after intelligence reports indicated increased terrorist activities ahead of key national security events.
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Masih’s arrest is expected to unravel deeper terror networks operating both within India and abroad. The Punjab Police and UP STF are conducting further investigations into his activities, financial links, and potential terror plots.
With security agencies ramping up anti-terror operations, this arrest underscores India’s zero-tolerance policy toward cross-border terrorism and Khalistani extremism.
