The UP Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) has foiled a major terror conspiracy with the arrest of four men linked to a Pakistan-linked module, and plotting attacks in cities and on railway infrastructure across the country to create instability.
The accused, arrested on Thursday, were found conducting recce of key installations as part of their plan to damage railway infrastructure to spread fear among the people, officials said.
Conspiracy to establish Ghazwa-e-Hind, links with Pak handlers
The entire conspiracy was hatched with the objective of Ghazwa-e-Hind, a term used by radicals for an armed campaign aimed at establishing Islamic rule governed by the principles of Sharia law in India.
Who are the accused?
The main accused has been identified as Saqib alias Devil, 25, a resident of Agwanpur in the Meerut district. Investigators said he worked as a barber and was the key link with the handlers. His associate Arbaab, 20, from the same village, was also part of the operation.
Two others, Vikas Gehlawat alias Raunak, 27, and Lokesh alias Papla Pandit alias Babu alias Sanju, 19, both from Gautam Buddh Nagar, were allegedly recruited through social media and assisted in reconnaissance of targets for money.
The ATS said the group carried out surveillance of railway signal boxes and other installations in cities including Ghaziabad, Aligarh and Lucknow. They allegedly sent videos of minor arson incidents to Pakistani handlers and received payments through QR codes.
Railway signals, station premises on target
Officials said the accused were planning to set fire to railway signalling equipment and other railway property near Lucknow’s Charbagh railway station using explosive and flammable materials. The plan was foiled before execution when the ATS team intercepted and arrested them.
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. The accused have been produced before a court, and further legal proceedings are underway.
During questioning, the ATS said the group admitted to acting on instructions from Pakistani handlers to carry out anti-national activities aimed at damaging India’s sovereignty and creating fear. They were also allegedly sharing sensitive information with individuals linked to Pakistan’s intelligence network.
The ATS said the accused had plans to target railway signal boxes, vehicles, gas cylinder-loaded trucks and other installations to cause large-scale damage and potential loss of life.
Items recovered from the accused include a container with flammable substance, 7 smartphones, 24 pamphlets and identity documents.
