UP ATS Busts Pakistan-Linked Terror Module Planning Railway Sabotage
The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has dismantled a suspected terror module allegedly operating under the guidance of Pakistani handlers. Four individuals have been apprehended for planning coordinated arson attacks on critical railway infrastructure and conducting extensive reconnaissance of key installations and public assets across multiple cities.
Intelligence Inputs Reveal Cross-Border Connections
According to ATS officials, intelligence inputs indicated that this group maintained continuous contact with Pakistan-based handlers through various social media platforms. The module was reportedly involved in anti-national activities specifically designed to create widespread panic and disrupt economic stability.
Investigations revealed that the gang was led by Saqib, who used the alias "Devil." This 25-year-old resident of Meerut allegedly maintained communication links with handlers through encrypted platforms including Telegram, Signal, and Instagram. He was also reportedly connected to radical groups and foreign contacts, including numbers linked to Afghanistan.
Detailed Reconnaissance and Attack Planning
The module had been tasked with conducting detailed reconnaissance of important institutions, political figures, railway signal systems, and various vehicles. All gathered intelligence was systematically shared with handlers across the border.
Police authorities stated that the group had developed specific plans to damage railway signal boxes, set fire to trucks carrying gas cylinders, and target prominent establishments to spread fear and chaos. In some instances, the accused had already executed minor arson incidents, recorded videos of these acts, and transmitted them to their handlers in exchange for monetary payments transferred through QR codes.
Radicalization Through Online Platforms
The ATS investigation revealed that handlers utilized provocative online identities and extremist narratives to instigate the accused to carry out attacks. This included targeting vehicles based on religious affiliations and executing acts aligned with broader terror propaganda objectives.
Arrested Individuals and Their Activities
Apart from Saqib, the other arrested individuals include Arbaab (20) from Meerut, Vikas Gehlawat alias Raunak (27), and Lokesh alias Papla Pandit alias Sanju (19), both residents of Gautam Budh Nagar. Police officials stated that the latter two were recruited through social media platforms and allegedly conducted reconnaissance activities in multiple cities including Ghaziabad, Aligarh, and Lucknow.
Officials confirmed that the accused had received Google location pins of targeted sites from their handlers. Based on these digital coordinates, they conducted surveillance operations and shared video footage of potential targets.
Foiled Attack on Railway Infrastructure
On April 2, 2026, the group allegedly planned to execute arson attacks and possible explosions near railway signal infrastructure close to Lucknow railway station. Acting on a specific tip-off, ATS teams reached the location and successfully arrested all four accused individuals before their planned attack could be implemented.
Legal Proceedings and Evidence Recovery
A formal 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 competent court, and further legal proceedings are currently underway.
During subsequent searches, the ATS recovered substantial evidence including:
- A container filled with inflammable material
- Seven mobile phones
- Twenty-four pamphlets
- Various identity documents
Officials confirmed that detailed forensic analysis of digital devices is actively underway to trace the wider network connections and identify funding channels.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigation
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. The ATS has stated that further investigation continues to identify additional links and possible sleeper cells connected to this network.
The successful operation highlights the ongoing vigilance of security agencies against cross-border terror threats and their commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure from sabotage attempts.
