The Punjab Police and the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) jointly detained an active Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist from Kaushambi on Thursday, allegedly in connection with Pakistan's ISI.

In the early hours of Thursday, around 3:20 AM, authorities arrested Lazar Masih, a resident of Amritsar, Punjab. He is said to have close ties with Swarn Singh, also known as Jeevan Fauji, who operates the Germany module of BKI. During the arrest, officials seized several illegal weapons and explosives. The recovered items included three hand grenades, two detonators, a 7.62 mm Russian pistol, 13 live cartridges, and explosives. Additionally, they found a white-coloured explosive powder, an Aadhaar card with a Ghaziabad address and a mobile phone without a SIM card.

Speaking at a press conference, Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar stated that Masih had planned a major terrorist attack during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. "However, due to intensive security checks at the religious gathering, he failed to execute his plan," he said. The Maha Kumbh took place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. The DGP mentioned that the arrest of the terrorist also confirms the smuggling of arms and drugs from Pakistan into India.

"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," Additional Director General of Police (UP Special Task Force, Law and Order) Amitabh Yash said. "This terrorist had escaped from judicial custody in Punjab on September 24, 2024," the ADG added.