Most wanted and Babbar Khalsa International Operational Head, Ratandeep Singh has been arrested by Punjab Polic. Ratandeep has been arrested from the outskirts of Gorakhpur in eastern Uttar Pradesh by the Punjab Police in coordination with central agencies.
According to Punjab Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP), a 19-member Punjab police team from Amritsar was dispatched to Gorakhpur on September 14 and with the help of UP police they carried out the operation.
Rattandeep was carrying a Pakistani passport and a ID card. Currencies of Pakistan were also found from his possession.
“Initially, Singh was a top operative of Khalistan Commando Force (KCF). Later he joined hands with the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and became the operational head of the outfit,” he said.
He carried a reward of Rs 10 lakh on his head.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that he had come to India to target a prominent leader who enjoys security from Punjab Police.
Police found him carrying a Pakistani passport and identity card in the name of Hussain Sheikh Zahid and some Pakistani and Indian currency.
Ratandeep was based in Pakistan since 1993. He had been coming to India to carry out terrorist strikes. He had recently re-entered the country to carry out a major strike, the spokesman said.
The militant was earlier a top operative of the Khalistan Commando Force (KCF). Later he joined Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and became its ooperational head.
In July this year, the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan revived the BTFK. At that time Col Sahbaz Minhas of the ISI had joint meetings with Wadhawa Singh (BKI) and Ratandeep Singh to effect the new arrangement. The ISI picked up Ratandeep Singh to head the BTFK,” the spokesman said.
Ratandeep Singh is wanted in several militant offences in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.