UP ATS Foils Major Terror Plot, Four Arrested for Planning ‘Economic Warfare’ in India
-Mastermind Linked to Pakistani Handlers, Radical Networks Exposed
-Timely Action Prevents Planned Attack on Railway Infrastructure in Lucknow
Lucknow News : The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has foiled a major conspiracy against the country by arresting four accused who were allegedly planning large-scale sabotage under instructions from Pakistani handlers. The group was reportedly targeting key institutions, railway signal systems, and gas-laden trucks to trigger destruction and disrupt the economy.
Mastermind ‘Devil’ and Network of Radical Links
Among those arrested, the main accused has been identified as Saqib alias ‘Devil’, a resident of Meerut who works as a barber. Investigations revealed that Saqib was in contact with Pakistani handlers and suspicious Afghanistan-based numbers through platforms like Telegram, Signal, and Instagram.
He allegedly recruited three others — Arbaab from his village and Vikas Gehlawat and Lokesh alias Papla Pandit from Gautam Buddh Nagar — by luring them with money. The group was influenced by extremist ideologies linked to names like Osama bin Laden and the concept of ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’.
Handlers reportedly shared Google location coordinates, based on which the accused conducted reconnaissance in cities including Ghaziabad, Aligarh, and Lucknow.
QR Code Payments and Planned Railway Attack
During interrogation, officials uncovered that the accused had already carried out minor arson incidents at select locations. They recorded videos of these acts and sent them to their handlers, receiving payments via QR codes in return.
The group was allegedly planning a major attack on April 2 near Lucknow railway station, targeting signal boxes and nearby infrastructure using fire and explosives. However, the ATS acted swiftly and arrested them before the plan could be executed.
Recoveries and Legal Action
The ATS recovered several incriminating items from the accused, including cans of inflammable substances, seven smartphones, 24 provocative pamphlets, and Aadhaar cards.
A case has been registered at the Lucknow ATS police station under serious provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Further investigation is underway to trace the wider network and potential links to cross-border operatives.
