Lucknow railway station blast plot foiled: 4 Arrested, Dubai-linked terror module busted

Lucknow (The Uttam Hindu) : The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has busted a major terrorist module and arrested four suspects. According to the investigation, Aaqib, a resident of Meerut, was operating terrorist activities in India from Dubai and connected Saqib, also known as "Devil," from Meerut, with Pakistani handlers through social media.

ADG Law and Order Amitabh Yash said that the ATS has arrested Saqib alias Devil and Arbaab of Meerut, Vikas alias Raunak of Gautam Buddha Nagar, and Lokesh alias Papla Pandit. All these accused were planning to carry out the bombings at Lucknow railway station and were apprehended on Thursday. Aaqib, who was hiding in Dubai, has also been named in the case.

According to investigating agencies, Aqib has been living in Dubai for a long time and was working to establish terrorist modules in India and connect them with Pakistani handlers. He connected Aqib with handlers through Instagram and Telegram, after which Aqib would send information and videos related to the reconnaissance directly to them. The ATS initiated the investigation after photos of Aqib with weapons like AK-47s surfaced on his social media accounts.

The investigation also revealed that the accused had conducted reconnaissance of several important defense installations and cantonment areas in Uttar Pradesh. Videos of these locations were made and sent to Pakistani handlers. Additionally, some prominent Hindutva leaders in the state were targeted, and information was being gathered about their activities and security arrangements.

The investigation also revealed that handlers sent Saqib Google locations, where he would record videos with his associates and send them to them. In return, he would receive money transfers. Videos of small arson incidents in various cities were also recovered from the accused. A plot to set fire to railway signal boxes and vehicles carrying gas cylinders has also been uncovered.

The ATS sought five days' police remand for the four accused, who were produced in court on Saturday, which the court granted. The ATS team is now conducting intensive interrogations to gather information about other individuals involved in the module, potential attack plans, and Aqib's network.

According to the ATS, sufficient evidence has been gathered against Aqib and efforts are underway to apprehend him. He operated the entire network through social media from Dubai as a safe haven and was in contact with handlers based in Pakistan.

This action by the UP ATS has foiled a major terrorist attack in time. The investigating agency is now intensifying its efforts to dismantle the entire network and reach Aqib. This case once again demonstrates how social media is being used to incite youth and involve them in terrorist activities