In a significant counter-terrorism operation, the Punjab Police, in a closely coordinated effort with central intelligence agencies, successfully intercepted and arrested two gangster-turned-terrorists affiliated with the banned Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). The arrests were made the moment the duo landed at the Mumbai airport, arriving from a South East Asian country.
Key Operatives with Extensive Criminal History
The individuals taken into custody have been identified as Sajan Masih, a resident of Veroke in Gurdaspur, and Sukhdev Kumar, who also goes by the alias Munish Bedi, from Lahori Gate in Amritsar. Both have a long and violent criminal record. Police records show multiple cases registered against them across Batala and Amritsar police stations, including charges of murder, attempt to murder, and violations under the Arms and Explosives Act as well as the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Punjab's Director General of Police (DGP), Gaurav Yadav, stated that Masih and Bedi were crucial links in a transnational terror network. They were acting as important nodes for Pakistan-based and ISI-supported terrorist Harvinder Singh, alias Rinda, and USA-based detained BKI operative Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passia. "They were operating from overseas locations, including Dubai and Armenia, while attempting to orchestrate criminal and terror activities in Punjab," DGP Yadav revealed.
International Manhunt and Operational Details
The breakthrough came after Punjab Police proactively issued Look Out Circulars (LOCs) and pursued Red Corner Notices against wanted criminals sheltering abroad. This international tracking mechanism was pivotal in locating and monitoring the movements of Masih and Kumar.
Sharing insights into the covert operation, Sukhminder Singh Mann, AIG of the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) in Amritsar, explained that a joint team from SSOC Amritsar and Counter Intelligence, Pathankot, acted on specific intelligence developed with central agencies. The team moved to Mumbai and apprehended the accused immediately upon their arrival. The specific South East Asian country from which they flew has been kept confidential as it is part of ongoing efforts to nab other fugitives.
Links to Major Attacks and Network Exposed
Preliminary investigations have uncovered the duo's deep involvement in serious crimes. The DGP stated that they were part of a BKI network responsible for several grenade attacks on police stations in Amritsar and Batala. Furthermore, they are linked to the killings of Hardeep Singh of Jourrian Kalan and Kiryana store owner Ravi Kumar of Dera Baba Nanak.
The investigation also revealed that Sajan Masih was coordinating with another key associate, Shamsher Shera alias Honey, who is currently based in Armenia. According to the AIG, both arrested individuals were actively providing logistical support, managing funding channels, and giving strategic direction to their foot soldiers operating on the ground in Punjab.
Both accused have been formally arrested in connection with FIR No. 47 dated 25-08-2025 registered under sections 25, 29, and 30 of the Arms Act and section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station SSOC Amritsar. The operation marks a critical success in dismantling the overseas command structure of terrorist groups targeting Punjab.
