Noida Mother Awaits Son Unaware of Anti-Terror Arrest in Spy Ring Case
In a modest dwelling located in Chhapraula village within Greater Noida, a 55-year-old mother named Karishma Sharma anxiously anticipates the return of her beloved 'Babu' to their home. She remains completely oblivious to the stark reality that her son has been apprehended by law enforcement authorities under grave suspicions of engaging in anti-national activities.
Arrests Made by Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad
Lokesh Sharma, aged 18, was one of four individuals detained by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) this past Thursday. The arrests stem from allegations that the group was operating under explicit directives from handlers based in Pakistan. Their purported plans involved orchestrating arson attacks specifically targeting railway infrastructure, alongside conducting detailed reconnaissance of critical installations and public assets across multiple urban centers. Legal actions have been initiated against them under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
According to police statements, the accused had devised strategies to inflict damage on railway signal boxes, ignite trucks laden with gas cylinders, and strike prominent establishments with the intent of sowing widespread fear and panic. In certain instances, the men had already executed minor arson incidents, documented these acts through video recordings, and transmitted the footage to their overseas handlers. In return, they received monetary compensation facilitated through QR code transactions.
Recruitment and Operations Through Social Media
The ATS further revealed that the handlers employed provocative online personas and extremist narratives to radicalize and incite the accused into carrying out these attacks. This included targeting vehicles based on religious affiliations and performing acts that align with broader terror propaganda objectives.
Lokesh Sharma and his close associate, Vikas Gehlawat—another resident of Greater Noida who was also arrested—were reportedly recruited via social media platforms. They are alleged to have conducted reconnaissance missions in cities such as Ghaziabad, Aligarh, and Lucknow. Officers detailed that the handlers would frequently send Google location pins of specific sites, after which the duo would survey the areas and share video footage back to their contacts.
Family Background and Personal Life
Lokesh resided with his parents and elder brother in a dilapidated house characterized by damp walls and peeling plaster, with exposed bricks that starkly narrate a tale of poverty and hardship. He worked as a daily-wage laborer, supporting his family which includes his mother Karishma, a 60-year-old ailing father named Rohtas Sharma, and an elder brother known as Lucky, who is currently an undergraduate student.
Rohtas Sharma shared that Lokesh was exceptionally close to his mother, who herself battles mental health issues. In December of the previous year, Karishma suffered a hip fracture in an accident, and Lokesh became her primary caregiver, diligently assisting with hospital visits and daily needs.
Family's Shock and Denial of Involvement
The family expressed profound shock upon learning of the arrest. According to Rohtas, on the day of the arrest, Lokesh was summoned to the local police chowki under the pretense of signing documents related to his mother's December accident. When he failed to return and his phone was switched off, the family rushed to the police station, only to discover the grim truth.
They vehemently denied any knowledge of Lokesh's alleged involvement in what authorities describe as a 'spy ring'. Lucky, his elder brother, recounted that Lokesh was never particularly inclined towards academics but was highly active on social media, often creating reels on Instagram with friends. He harbored ambitious dreams of amassing wealth to elevate the family's social standing. Lucky also noted that while police identified Vikas Gehlawat as Lokesh's best friend, the family had never encountered or heard of him previously.
Further Investigations and Community Perceptions
The family mentioned that Lokesh had traveled to Himachal Pradesh for work last month, and police are currently investigating whether this trip had any connections to the alleged conspiracy. Rohtas added that Lokesh's behavior showed no signs of suspicious activity, as he was never active on his phone during nighttime hours, and his demeanor remained consistent.
Among friends and neighbors, Lokesh was affectionately known as Paplu Pandit—a nickname he even had tattooed on his body. A neighbor described him as a sincere individual who always greeted others with a warm smile. However, the neighbor also observed occasional peculiar behavior, noting that Lokesh would sometimes receive calls that altered his expressions, prompting him to retreat to a corner for secretive conversations.
This case underscores the complex interplay of poverty, digital recruitment, and familial unawareness in the context of national security threats, as investigations continue to unfold.
