Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow
Lucknow, Apr 3: The Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorism Squad has foiled a major terror conspiracy with the arrest of four men allegedly linked to a Pakistan-backed module planning attacks on railway infrastructure and key locations across the country.
Officials said the accused were arrested on Thursday while conducting reconnaissance of sensitive installations, including railway signal systems, with the aim of creating panic and instability.
Investigations revealed that the conspiracy was linked to the extremist concept of “Ghazwa-e-Hind,” with the group allegedly maintaining contact with Pakistani handlers through social media platforms such as Telegram, Signal and Instagram.
The main accused has been identified as Saqib alias Devil (25), a resident of Meerut, who allegedly acted as the key link with handlers. His associate Arbaab (20) was also part of the network. Two others — Vikas Gehlawat alias Raunak (27) and Lokesh alias Papla Pandit (19) from Gautam Buddh Nagar — were reportedly recruited via social media and assisted in reconnaissance activities for money.
According to ATS officials, the group surveyed railway signal boxes and installations in cities such as Ghaziabad, Aligarh and Lucknow. They allegedly shared videos of minor arson incidents with handlers and received payments through QR codes.
The accused were reportedly planning to target railway signalling equipment and property near the Charbagh railway station in Lucknow using flammable and explosive materials. The plot was foiled before execution.
A case has been registered 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 investigation is underway.
Police said the group confessed to acting on instructions from Pakistani handlers to carry out anti-national activities and share sensitive information.
Items recovered from the accused include flammable substances, seven smartphones, pamphlets and identity documents.