Overview
- Six operatives of the banned Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) were arrested in Batala, Punjab, following a police operation that included a shootout.
- The group, allegedly backed by Pakistan’s ISI, attempted a grenade attack on a liquor shop in Batala but failed when the grenade did not explode.
- The arrested individuals were directly receiving instructions from foreign-based handlers, including Portugal-based Maninder Billa and Mannu Agwan, who recently assumed operational leadership of BKI.
- During the operation, one operative, Jatin Kumar, opened fire on police officers, was injured in retaliatory fire, and is currently hospitalized.
- A .30 bore pistol was recovered, and an FIR was filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) at Batala's Civil Lines Police Station.