In a major breakthrough, an active terrorist of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) with links to Pakistan’s ISI was arrested from Kaushambi in the early hours of Thursday, police said. He had planned a terror attack during the Mahakumbh.
Addressing a press conference, Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar said that the terrorist, identified as Lajar Masih, had planned to carry out a major terror attack during the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. However, due to intensive security arrangements at the religious gathering, he failed to execute his plan. The Mahakumbh considered the world’s largest gathering, was held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26.
The terrorist was nabbed in a joint operation by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) and Punjab Police at around 3:20 AM. The operation was carried out in the Kokhraj police station area of Kaushambi, Additional Director General of Police (ADG) Amitabh Yash informed.
#WATCH | Lucknow: An active terrorist of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and ISI module, Lajar Masih arrested in a joint operation of UP STF and Punjab Police | UP DGP Prashant Kumar says, ” Under the leadership of CM, there is zero tolerance for crime…a successful joint… pic.twitter.com/S51maaEXyx
— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2025
Masih’s Links to ISI and Terror Modules
According to intelligence reports, Masih was working under Swarn Singh alias Jeevan Fauji, the head of the Germany-based module of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). He was in direct contact with Pakistan-based ISI operatives. DGP Kumar further said that Masih was receiving arms and explosives through drones from handlers across the border.
During the arrest, security forces found illegal arms and explosives from Masih. These included:
– Three active hand grenades
– Two active detonators
– One foreign-made pistol
– Thirteen foreign made cartridges
– A white-coloured explosive powder
– An Aadhaar card with a Ghaziabad address
– A mobile phone without a SIM card
“This terrorist had escaped judicial custody in Punjab on September 24, 2024,” the ADG added.
Plot to Attack Mahakumbh and Escape to Portugal Foiled
The intelligence network had earlier received alerts regarding attempts to disrupt peace before the Mahakumbh. DGP Kumar confirmed that Masih had been planning an attack at the Mahakumbh and had been actively operating in Kaushambi, Lucknow, and Kanpur. His plan included fleeing to Portugal after executing the attack, but his arrest prevented the conspiracy.
Under the leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh government has given a ‘zero-tolerance’ towards crime and terrorism. This successful operation highlights the commitment of our security forces in order to ensure public safety.
Previous Terror Incidents and Khalistani Threats
Authorities also recalled an earlier incident on December 23, 2024, when three terrorists were killed in an encounter in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh. Weapons were recovered from them, and intelligence reports had warned of Khalistani threats targeting the Mahakumbh. Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu had issued threats of terror attacks during the event.
Also Read: Khalistani terrorist Pannun issues fresh threat to disrupt Mahakumbh
Masih’s arrest not only confirms the importation of arms and drugs from Pakistan to India but also brings out the ongoing menace of terror groups with foreign help. Investigations are underway to look for any more connections and track down the entire network of people involved in the planned attack.
It is pertinent to note that a few days earlier a suspected terrorist, named Abdul Rehman, was arrested in Faridabad. During interrogation, Rehman revealed that his plan was to target the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Acting on intelligence inputs, Gujarat ATS and Haryana STF conducted a joint operation in Faridabad, where they successfully arrested Rehman. Following his arrest, security forces recovered two hand grenades that had been hidden in an abandoned location. The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and officials confirmed that Rehman was arrested on Sunday. Gujarat ATS had also released a photograph of the accused.
Gujarat ATS received intelligence that a suspicious individual was planning a major attack at Ayodhya Ram Mandir and was hiding in Faridabad. Acting swiftly, the ATS team reached Haryana and coordinated with the local STF. A joint operation was launched in Palwal, leading to the arrest of Abdul Rehman.
