‘Satan’ and gang: UP ATS cracks Pakistan-backed module concentrating on rail infrastructure | Lucknow Information

LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has busted a suspected terror module allegedly working below the instructions of Pakistani handlers, arresting 4 individuals for planning arson assaults on railway infrastructure and conducting reconnaissance of key installations and public belongings throughout a number of cities.In line with ATS officers, intelligence inputs indicated that this group was in steady contact with Pakistan-based handlers by means of social media platforms and was concerned in anti-national actions aimed toward creating panic and financial disruption.ATS investigations revealed that the gang was led by Saqib alias “Satan” (25), a resident of Meerut, who allegedly maintained hyperlinks with handlers by way of platforms reminiscent of Telegram, Sign, and Instagram. He was additionally reportedly related to radical teams and overseas numbers, together with these linked to Afghanistan. The module was tasked with finishing up reconnaissance of vital establishments, political figures, railway sign methods, and autos, and sharing inputs with handlers throughout the border.Police mentioned the group deliberate to break railway sign containers, set hearth to gasoline cylinder-laden vehicles, and goal distinguished institutions to unfold concern. In some instances, the accused had already carried out minor arson incidents, recorded movies, and despatched them to their handlers in trade for cash transferred by means of QR codes.The ATS mentioned handlers used provocative identities and extremist narratives on-line to instigate the accused to hold out assaults, together with concentrating on autos on non secular traces and executing acts aligned with broader terror propaganda.Aside from Saqib, different accused are Arbaab (20) from Meerut, Vikas Gehlawat alias Raunak (27) and Lokesh alias Papla Pandit alias Sanju (19), each from Gautam Budh Nagar. Police mentioned the latter two have been recruited by means of social media and allegedly carried out reconnaissance actions in cities together with Ghaziabad, Aligarh, and Lucknow.Officers mentioned the accused had additionally acquired Google location pins of focused websites from their handlers, based mostly on which they carried out surveillance and shared video footage.On April 2, 2026, the group allegedly deliberate to hold out arson and potential explosions close to railway sign infrastructure near Lucknow railway station. Appearing on a tip-off, ATS groups reached the spot and arrested all 4 accused earlier than the plan may very well be executed.A case has been registered on the ATS police station in Lucknow below related sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Illegal Actions (Prevention) Act, 1967. The accused have been produced earlier than a courtroom, and additional authorized proceedings are underway.Throughout searches, the ATS recovered a container crammed with inflammable materials, seven cell phones, 24 pamphlets, and identification paperwork. Officers mentioned detailed forensic evaluation of digital gadgets is underway to hint the broader community and funding channels.Preliminary interrogation means that the group was actively working to undermine India’s sovereignty and integrity by finishing up coordinated acts of sabotage and spreading terror. Additional investigation is ongoing to determine extra hyperlinks and potential sleeper cells, mentioned the ATS.