The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) carried out coordinated raids in Shamli district, detaining several suspects over alleged links with a Pakistan-based espionage network.
Teams conducted searches in Kairana and Sadar Kotwali areas, taking at least four people into custody, including a woman. Some reports indicate that up to six individuals have been detained as part of the ongoing probe.
Earlier, ATS detained Sajid, son of Mehrdin from Nagla Rai village, Intezaar Tarzan, and others from Kairana. A woman identified as Asafa from the Barkhandi area of Shamli has also been taken into custody.
All suspects have been moved to Deoband for further questioning.
Link to earlier Ghaziabad arrest
Officials said the action is linked to a recent arrest in Ghaziabad, where a youth was held on suspicion of spying for Pakistan. Investigators are now examining whether the Shamli detainees are part of the same network.
Suspected use of social media for contact
According to sources, the suspects may have been in contact with handlers across the border through social media platforms. Agencies are currently examining their mobile phones, financial records, and online activity.
The investigation also follows an earlier case in which ATS arrested four individuals accused of planning a blast at Charbagh railway station in Lucknow. During interrogation, leads reportedly pointed to a wider network in western Uttar Pradesh.
Officials believe more individuals could be linked to the module, and efforts are underway to identify them.
