The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad on Friday said that they busted a terror module and arrested four persons accused of planning attacks on key installations, including railway infrastructure.
According to police officials, the group was allegedly operating under the direction of handlers based in Pakistan and was involved in activities aimed at creating panic and economic disruption.
Plans to target railways, military sites and public assets
Officials said intelligence inputs revealed that the group was conducting reconnaissance of important locations such as railway infrastructure, military establishments, police stations, and political figures.
“The gang’s main objective was to carry out recce of key installations and share the information with handlers, who would then plan attacks,” an official statement said.
The ATS also said the accused were allegedly planning arson attacks to damage railway infrastructure.
Use of encrypted apps for communication
Investigators said they found that the group was in constant contact with its handlers through encrypted social media platforms, including Telegram, Signal, and Instagram.
The module was reportedly led by 25-year-old Saqib, also known as ‘Devil’, a resident of Meerut, who allegedly maintained cross-border links and had connections with radical groups.
Officials added that he was also in contact with certain entities in Afghanistan.
Four accused arrested from different districts
Apart from Saqib, the other arrested individuals have been identified as Vikas Gehlawat alias Raunak, Lokesh alias Papla Pandit alias Babu alias Sanju—both residents of Gautam Buddh Nagar—and Arbaab from Meerut.
Police said further investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the network and identify other possible links.
