Babbar Khalsa ultra held in UP

An “active terrorist” of Babbar Khalsa International with “links” to Pakistan’s ISI, who had planned a major terror attack during the Maha Kumbh, was arrested from Uttar Pradesh’s Kaushambi district early Thursday, the police said.

The terrorist, identified as Lajar Masih, was nabbed in a joint operation by Uttar Pradesh STF and Punjab Police around 3.20 am.

Addressing a press conference here, Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar said 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 was held at Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26.

The DGP said, “Following the failed attempt, Masih had intended to flee India using a fake passport and take refuge in Portugal. He had links with a Babbar Khalsa operative who had already escaped to Dubai with forged travel documents.”

Masih, a resident of Kurlian village in Amritsar, Punjab, had been in contact with three ISI agents in Pakistan.

He was previously jailed for arms and heroin smuggling but escaped from Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, Amritsar, on September 24, 2024, while undergoing treatment, Kumar said.