UP ATS busts suspected Pakistan-linked module, foils planned railway attack

Lucknow, Apr 3 (PTI) The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested four members of a suspected terror module allegedly operating at the behest of Pakistani handlers for "involvement" in planning attacks on key installations, including railway infrastructure, officials said on Friday.

Acting on intelligence inputs, the ATS unearthed a network of individuals who were allegedly in contact with Pakistan-based handlers through social media platforms and engaged in anti-national activities aimed at spreading fear and causing economic damage.

The ATS' probe has revealed that the gang's main operative, Saqib alias "Devil" (25), a resident of Meerut district, was in touch with handlers via encrypted platforms, such as Telegram, Signal and Instagram, and had links with radical groups. Foreign phone numbers, including those from Afghanistan, have been found from his phone's contact list, sources said.

According to officials, the members of the group were tasked with conducting reconnaissance of important institutions and political figures, and sharing sensitive information with their handlers. They were also allegedly planning attacks on railway signal boxes, vehicles and trucks carrying gas cylinders to cause large-scale damage and trigger panic.

According to a press statement, the ATS investigation has further indicated that the accused had carried out minor arson incidents at a few locations and sent videos of these acts to their handlers in exchange for money transferred through QR codes.

The ATS said the handlers used provocative identifiers and narratives on social media to incite the accused into targeting vehicles and public assets on religious grounds and executing a broader conspiracy to destabilise public order.

The accused, along with their associates, had reportedly conducted reconnaissance in cities including Ghaziabad, Aligarh and Lucknow, and shared videos and Google location details of potential targets with their handlers.

On April 2, the group had allegedly planned to carry out an arson or explosive attack near the Lucknow railway station, targeting railway signalling systems and other infrastructure. However, an ATS team intercepted and arrested the accused before the plan could be executed.

Besides Saqib, the arrested individuals have been identified as Vikas Gehlawat alias Raunak (27), Lokesh alias Papla Pandit alias Babu alias Sanju (19), both residents of Gautam Buddh Nagar, and Arbaab (20) from Meerut.

A case has been registered at the ATS police station in Lucknow under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The accused have been produced before a court and further legal proceedings are underway.

Officials said preliminary interrogations suggest that the group was working with the intent to harm India's sovereignty, unity and integrity by orchestrating acts of sabotage and terror under foreign directions. PTI