Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested four suspected terrorists on Friday, all directly linked to a Pakistani handler. The suspects were connected to the ISI network and were allegedly planning attacks on high-profile institutions, large vehicles, malls, railway signal boxes, and other sensitive locations across India. Preliminary investigations revealed that their immediate target was the Charbagh railway station.
The arrested individuals include Sakib alias David (25) from Agwanpur, Meerut; Arbab (20) from Meerut; Vikas alias Raunak (27) from Ram Vihar, Gautam Buddh Nagar; and Lokesh alias Popla Pandit alias Babu alias Sanju (19) from Ram Vihar Colony, Gautam Buddh Nagar. ATS officials stated that the suspects were preparing to damage signals and other railway properties near Lucknow railway station through arson or explosions. A video also surfaced showing one of the handlers, Aqib, brandishing an AK-47 reportedly from Dubai.
Operatives Functioning Like a Sleeper Module
Initial interrogations in Meerut revealed that the suspects were linked to Pakistani terrorist Abu Bakr. Abu Bakr allegedly radicalized them by sending religious extremist videos and trained them in time-bomb making. The accused were reportedly planning serial blasts at various malls and buildings, setting fires in parking areas using chemical explosives, and sabotaging trains. Their plans also included targeting vehicles with Hindu religious symbols to incite communal violence and attacking leaders in West UP, including RSS members.
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Following a recent arson incident in Bijnor, the module came under closer surveillance. Forensic examination of the suspects’ mobile phones revealed communication with the Pakistani handler, detailed tracking of time and location, and instructions to gather intelligence on India’s security agencies and the National Security Advisor. Sakib and Arbab were the first to be arrested in Meerut, followed by Vikas and Lokesh.
Railway Safety Targeted
The suspects had plotted to derail long-distance trains by targeting signal boxes and railway tracks with explosives, potentially causing collisions. Other members of the module were also to be involved in executing this plan.
Mobile Data Recovery Reveals Sensitive Information
During the arrests, the suspects had formatted their mobile phones to erase evidence. However, forensic teams successfully recovered data showing that the accused had collected sensitive intelligence. Investigations also revealed that funds were being sent from abroad to support large-scale attacks, with additional money expected soon.
Family Background of Vikas alias Raunak
Vikas’s family originally hailed from Haryana and relocated to Noida around 20 years ago. Villagers describe him as simple-natured, with no previous criminal record or disputes reported. The family works in masonry and house maintenance. Vikas frequently visited his native village during festivals.
Continued ATS interrogations and investigations linked the module to prior incidents in Pune and Bijnor. All four suspects reportedly acted on instructions from Abu Bakr, based in Pakistan. Searches for additional members associated with the module are ongoing.
Overall, the arrests are being hailed as a major success for national security. ATS foiled a potentially devastating plot, safeguarding citizens and railway commuters from serious harm.
