Ayodhya security alert: Khalistan link revealed in UP ATS arrests

New Delhi: In a shocking revelation, the UP Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has revealed Khalistan links of three suspects arrested days before Ayodhya’s ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony. The men, identified as Shankar Dusad, Ajit Kumar Sharma and Pradeep Punia, all residents of Rajasthan, were caught during routine vehicle checking in Ayodhya.

The suspicion surrounding him deepened when a recorded voice message, purportedly from Khalistan terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, surfaced. This message addressed to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath points to the intentions of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) to hold him accountable on January 22 despite the consecration of the Ram temple.

According to UP Police Director General Prashant Kumar, Shankar was in touch with Dusad Pannun and another Canada-based arms smuggler Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa. Dusad’s mission was to reconnoitre Ayodhya and make a map of the site. To avoid suspicion, the suspects were stopped by placing a saffron flag on their vehicle.

Further investigation revealed a complex web of Dusad’s criminal background, including links to Khalistan groups formed during his captivity. Released on bail in May 2023 after serving more than seven years in prison, Dusad was linked to notorious gangsters and faced charges in several cases.

As Ayodhya prepares for the grand event on January 22, authorities have stepped up security measures, intensified vehicle checking and maintained vigil to ensure the safety of the proceedings.

The development raises concerns about potential disruptions during the important ceremony, highlighting the delicate balance between religious events and national security. ATS continues to interrogate the suspects, highlighting the nexus between criminal elements and extremist ideologies.