Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar reaffirmed the state’s zero-tolerance policy against crime, crediting the successful arrest of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist Laja Masih to the stringent measures undertaken by the UP Police under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The DGP emphasized that heightened security measures were in place following intelligence alerts regarding potential disruptions by terrorist organizations ahead of the Maha Kumbh. He stated that the UP Police Special Task Force (STF) collaborated with the Punjab Police in a well-coordinated operation to ensure the arrest of the fugitive terrorist.
Laja Masih, a key operative associated with both the ISI and Babbar Khalsa International, was taken into custody in Punjab on March 6. During the arrest, security personnel seized a significant cache of weapons, including 13 cartridges, a foreign-manufactured handgun, two active detonators, three hand grenades, and various other illegal arms and explosives.
The DGP highlighted that the recent joint operations with Punjab Police had led to several breakthroughs, including an encounter in Pilibhit where three terrorists were neutralized after attacking police checkpoints using hand grenades. In light of these developments, security agencies remained on high alert, especially after threats from Khalistani terrorist Pannu, who is currently residing in the United States, to target the upcoming Kumbh Mela.
According to Kumar, intelligence reports indicated that Laja Masih had created a fraudulent Aadhaar card, which he subsequently used to apply for a passport. The investigation also revealed that he was in possession of substantial ammunition that could have posed a severe security risk during the religious gathering. Authorities further disclosed that the terrorist had been in direct communication with ISI operatives and was instrumental in smuggling ammunition into India through Pakistan.
The successful capture of Masih in Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh, was the result of a meticulously planned operation between the Punjab Police and the UP STF. The DGP assured that the state police would continue to take strict action against any elements attempting to disrupt law and order, reinforcing Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to national security.
