Punjab Police Bust Pakistan's ISI-Backed Babbar Khalsa Terror Module, Arrest Six Operatives After Encounter

In a major counter-terrorism operation, Punjab Police have dismantled a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) module allegedly backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and arrested six operatives in Batala, the Indian Express reported.

According to Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, those arrested include Jatin Kumar alias Rohan, Barinder Singh alias Sajan, Rahul Masih, Abraham alias Rohit, Sohit, and Sunil Kumar. 

DGP Yadav said on X, “The arrested accused were receiving direct instructions from Portugal-based Maninder Billa and BKI mastermind Mannu Agwan, who has recently assumed operational charge after the arrest of Happy Passian in the USA.”

The module was allegedly involved in a failed grenade attack outside a liquor shop in Batala last week.

DGP Yadav said that while being taken for a recovery operation, Jatin Kumar opened fire on police and was injured in retaliatory firing. He is currently being treated at Civil Hospital, Batala.

Police recovered a .30-bore pistol from the suspects.

An FIR has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) at the Civil Lines Police Station in Batala. Further investigation is underway.

Babbar Khalsa, formally known as Babbar Khalsa International, is a Khalistani militant organisation that seeks to establish an independent Khalistan in the Punjab region. The group has been involved in armed attacks, assassinations, and bombings in pursuit of its objective and is designated as a terrorist organisation by multiple countries.