Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow

Lucknow, Apr 4: A major terror plot aimed at disrupting railway operations and triggering panic in Uttar Pradesh has been foiled, with investigators uncovering links to handlers based in Pakistan and an alleged foreign funding network.

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested four suspects, including a key accused from Meerut identified as Saqib alias Devil, who was reportedly in direct contact with an ISI handler.

According to investigators, the group was planning to target a railway signal box near Lucknow Railway Station. The alleged plan involved setting the signalling system on fire to disrupt train movement and potentially cause a major accident.

Police said funds were routed from abroad to the main accused, who then distributed money among other members. The handler is believed to have shared location details through digital means, following which the accused conducted reconnaissance and sent back photos and videos of targeted locations.

Investigations further revealed that the group had surveyed multiple cities, including Ghaziabad and Meerut, indicating detailed planning. Apart from railway sabotage, the accused were also allegedly planning acts of arson, including targeting trucks carrying gas cylinders and vehicle showrooms to create chaos.

Authorities said the accused were influenced through online propaganda and radical content. All four suspects are set to be taken on remand for further questioning, with a hearing expected in a special ATS/NIA court.

Further investigation is underway to identify the wider network and prevent similar threats.