Kamal Ghorui
LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has busted a suspected terror module allegedly operating under the directions of Pakistani handlers, arresting four persons for planning arson attacks on railway infrastructure and conducting reconnaissance of key installations and public assets across multiple cities.According to ATS officials, intelligence inputs indicated that this group was in continuous contact with Pakistan-based handlers through social media platforms and was involved in anti-national activities aimed at creating panic and economic disruption.ATS investigations revealed that the gang was led by Saqib alias “Devil” (25), a resident of Meerut, who allegedly maintained links with handlers via platforms such as Telegram, Signal, and Instagram. He was also reportedly connected to radical groups and foreign numbers, including those linked to Afghanistan. The module was tasked with carrying out reconnaissance of important institutions, political figures, railway signal systems, and vehicles, and sharing inputs with handlers across the border.Police said the group planned to damage railway signal boxes, set fire to gas cylinder-laden trucks, and target prominent establishments to spread fear. In some cases, the accused had already carried out minor arson incidents, recorded videos, and sent them to their handlers in exchange for money transferred through QR codes.The ATS said handlers used provocative identities and extremist narratives online to instigate the accused to carry out attacks, including targeting vehicles on religious lines and executing acts aligned with broader terror propaganda.Apart from Saqib, other accused are Arbaab (20) from Meerut, Vikas Gehlawat alias Raunak (27) and Lokesh alias Papla Pandit alias Sanju (19), both from Gautam Budh Nagar. Police said the latter two were recruited through social media and allegedly conducted reconnaissance activities in cities including Ghaziabad, Aligarh, and Lucknow.Officials said the accused had also received Google location pins of targeted sites from their handlers, based on which they conducted surveillance and shared video footage.On April 2, 2026, the group allegedly planned to carry out arson and possible explosions near railway signal infrastructure close to Lucknow railway station. Acting on a tip-off, ATS teams reached the spot and arrested all four accused before the plan could be executed.A case has been registered at the ATS police station in Lucknow under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The accused have been produced before a court, and further legal proceedings are underway.During searches, the ATS recovered a container filled with inflammable material, seven mobile phones, 24 pamphlets, and identity documents. Officials said detailed forensic analysis of digital devices is underway to trace the wider network and funding channels.Preliminary interrogation suggests that the group was actively working to undermine India’s sovereignty and integrity by carrying out coordinated acts of sabotage and spreading terror. Further investigation is ongoing to identify additional links and possible sleeper cells, said the ATS.
