Swift ATS action averts major railway attack; digital trail leads to cross-border handlers
Lucknow | April 4: In a significant breakthrough, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has foiled a major terror plot targeting railway infrastructure near Lucknow, arresting four individuals linked to Pakistan-based handlers.
Plot aimed at railway network, public assets
According to officials, the module was planning arson and a possible explosion near the Lucknow railway station, with a focus on railway tracks, signalling systems, and other critical infrastructure. The objective was to trigger panic and disrupt essential services.
Investigations reveal that the group had also identified additional targets, including government properties and trucks transporting gas cylinders, indicating a broader plan to inflict economic damage.
Digital trail exposes Pakistan link
The ATS found that the accused were in constant touch with handlers based in Pakistan through encrypted platforms such as Telegram, Signal, and Instagram. These handlers reportedly shared GPS coordinates and instructions, guiding reconnaissance activities across multiple cities including Lucknow, Ghaziabad, and Aligarh.
Authorities said the suspects conducted surveillance of key installations and even political figures, relaying sensitive information back to their handlers.
Radicalisation and funding network
The probe has also uncovered a structured radicalisation effort, with extremist content circulated online to recruit and influence youth. The accused allegedly carried out minor arson incidents earlier, recording and sharing videos as proof of execution.
In return, funds were transferred through QR codes, pointing to an organised financial channel supporting the module’s activities.
Arrests and recovery
The four arrested individuals have been identified as Saqib alias “Devil,” along with his associates Vikas Gehlawat, Lokesh alias Papla Pandit, and Arbaab. Security agencies recovered flammable material, smartphones, and propaganda content during the operation.
Bigger picture
Officials say the timely crackdown prevented a potentially high-impact attack and highlights the continued threat of digitally coordinated, cross-border terror networks. Investigations are ongoing to trace wider linkages and dismantle the remaining network.
