ISI-backed Khalistan terror module busted in Punjab's Batala; 6 arrested

May 20, 2025

BATALA: In a significant crackdown, Punjab Police dismantled a terror module of the banned Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), backed by Pakistan's ISI, and following an encounter arrested six operatives who were involved in a failed grenade attack on a liquor vend in Batala.

The terror operation was directed by foreign-based handlers Maninder Billa, based in Portugal, and Mannu Agwan, who recently took operational control of BKI following the arrest of Happy Passian in the United States.

Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav posted on X on Tuesday that the arrested individuals, identified as Jatin Kumar alias Rohan, Barinder Singh alias Sajan, Rahul Masih, Abraham alias Rohit, Sohit, and Sunil Kumar, were receiving direct instructions from Billa and Agwan, under the command of BKI mastermind Harwinder Singh Rinda.

During the operation, Jatin Kumar was injured in an exchange of fire with police while being taken for recovery. He opened fire on the police team, sustaining injuries in retaliatory action, and is currently admitted to Civil Hospital, Batala.

Police recovered a 30-bore pistol from the module, the Punjab Police DGP said.

A case has been registered at PS Civil Lines, Batala, under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).