UP ATS has arrested four men linked to a Pakistan-backed module for plotting attacks on railway infrastructure. The group carried out reconnaissance and shared inputs with handlers before being intercepted.
The accused were found to have links with a Pakistan-based handler (Image: Internet)
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has foiled a major terror conspiracy with the arrest of four individuals allegedly linked to a Pakistan-based network. Officials said the group was planning attacks on railway infrastructure and other key installations to spread panic.
The arrests were made following intelligence inputs and surveillance, preventing what authorities described as a potentially serious security threat.
Don’t you have any shame, terrorist: Professor outburst against student in class, suspended
Investigators revealed that the accused were in regular contact with handlers based in Pakistan through encrypted social media platforms. These included Telegram, Signal and Instagram.
The suspects allegedly shared videos and information about targeted locations and received payments through digital channels, including QR codes.
According to officials, the conspiracy was linked to the concept of “Ghazwa-e-Hind,” a term used by extremist elements to describe a campaign aimed at establishing rule based on radical ideology in India.
The accused were reportedly instructed to create instability by targeting public infrastructure and spreading fear among civilians.
The main accused has been identified as Saqib alias Devil, a resident of Meerut, who allegedly acted as the key coordinator with foreign handlers. His associate Arbaab, also from Meerut, was part of the network.
Two others, Vikas Gehlawat alias Raunak and Lokesh alias Papla Pandit, both from Gautam Buddh Nagar, were reportedly recruited through social media and assisted in reconnaissance operations.
Officials said the group conducted surveillance of railway signal boxes and installations in cities including Ghaziabad, Aligarh and Lucknow. They were allegedly planning to damage railway property, particularly near Charbagh railway station in Lucknow, using flammable and explosive materials.
Red Fort Blast: NIA seeks 45-day extension in Delhi blast probe, cites wider terror conspiracy
The plan was thwarted before execution after ATS teams intercepted the suspects.
A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The accused have been produced before a court, and further investigation is underway.
Authorities said several items, including smartphones, pamphlets and flammable substances, were recovered during the operation. Officials are now probing the wider network and possible links to other operatives.
