Lucknow/Bijnor. Security agencies in Uttar Pradesh have uncovered a suspected terror module allegedly linked to handlers based in Pakistan, through which funds were routed into India for planning subversive activities. Investigations have revealed that nearly ₹2 lakh was transferred through around eight bank accounts, all of which have now been frozen.
₹2 Lakh Digital Funding Trail Leads Investigators to Suspected Pakistan Link
A joint probe by the police and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) indicates that Meerut resident Akib and Bijnor resident Azad were key figures in the network. Both individuals have had their passports revoked. One accused was arrested at Delhi airport, while another was detained locally. A third suspect was intercepted while returning from abroad.
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QR Code Transfers and Relatives’ Accounts Reveal Hidden Money Route
According to investigators, the accused used bank accounts belonging to relatives and close associates to receive funds via QR codes. These accounts were allegedly linked to Pakistan-based handlers, who routed small, fragmented transactions to avoid detection by financial monitoring systems.
Preliminary findings suggest that the funds were intended for larger operational planning rather than routine transfers. Officials believe the money was part of a structured funding chain designed to support coordinated activities inside India.
Sources involved in the investigation said that communication between the accused and Pakistan-based handlers was maintained through social media platforms. These encrypted and informal channels were allegedly used to exchange instructions and financial directions regularly.
Railways, Public Places and Religious Sites Allegedly on the Radar
Investigators have also indicated that the module was allegedly planning attacks targeting railway infrastructure, public places, and sensitive religious locations. There are suspicions that attempts were being made to disrupt railway signalling systems and possibly carry out train-related sabotage or arson incidents.
Police further stated that in a video call conducted via Instagram in November last year, the accused allegedly displayed weapons including an AK-47 rifle and hand grenades. Following this incident, a formal case was registered and the investigation was intensified.
The probe has also uncovered indications that the network may not be limited to Uttar Pradesh. Preliminary inputs suggest links extending to Punjab and possibly other states, raising concerns of a wider interstate coordination pattern.
Authorities have also flagged concerns about alleged intent to target religious institutions and damage public property. However, officials emphasized that these findings are based on ongoing investigative inputs and are still being verified through forensic analysis.
Investigators have confirmed that multiple bank accounts used in the suspected transactions have been frozen. A detailed forensic audit of all financial trails is underway, including scrutiny of QR code usage, transaction logs, and linked digital devices.
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Officials said they are also examining how many individuals may have accessed or operated these accounts and whether additional money mule networks were involved in routing funds across different locations.
The ATS has stated that further arrests cannot be ruled out as the probe expands. Efforts are also being made to trace the overseas handlers and map the complete communication chain used by the network.
Central agencies have been informed about the developments, and international cooperation channels are being activated to verify cross-border links.
Security agencies noted that the case highlights the growing use of small-value digital transactions, QR code systems, and informal banking channels to fund suspected illicit activities. They added that such methods are increasingly being used to bypass traditional financial surveillance systems.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have indicated that more evidence, arrests, and financial seizures are likely as the probe progresses further into the suspected network.
