The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested four men it says were part of a suspected terror module operating on instructions from Pakistan-based handlers.
Officials claim the group was planning attacks on key installations, including railway infrastructure, to spread fear and cause economic damage. The arrests follow intelligence inputs about a network active across several districts.
Investigators say the accused were in touch with handlers through social media and encrypted platforms and were drawn into anti-national activities. Saqib alias “Devil” (25), from Meerut, has been identified as the main operative.
ATS officials say he was in contact with handlers via Telegram, Signal and Instagram. His phone also had foreign numbers, including from Afghanistan, raising suspicion of wider links.
According to the probe, the group was asked to carry out reconnaissance of important institutions and political figures. They shared videos and Google location details of potential targets.
Cities such as Ghaziabad, Aligarh and Lucknow were part of this activity. Officials say the accused had already carried out minor arson incidents at a few locations. Videos of these acts were sent to handlers, and money was received through QR codes.
The ATS claims handlers used provocative identifiers and narratives online to push the accused to target vehicles and public property on religious grounds. The aim, officials say, was to create panic and disturb public order.
The investigation also points to a plan set for April 2. The group had allegedly planned an arson or explosive attack near Lucknow railway station, focusing on signalling systems and related infrastructure.
The ATS team intercepted and arrested them before the plan could be carried out.
The four arrested are Saqib, Vikas Gehlawat alias Raunak (27), Lokesh alias Papla Pandit alias Babu alias Sanju (19), both from Gautam Buddh Nagar, and Arbaab (20) from Meerut.
A case has been registered at the ATS police station in Lucknow under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The accused have been produced before a court and further proceedings are on. Officials say initial interrogation suggests the group was working with the intent to harm India’s sovereignty, unity and integrity.