Lucknow station blast plot foiled, UP cops bust Pak-linked terror module; 4 arrested

UP ATS foiled a major terror plot near Lucknow railway station, arresting four accused linked to Pakistani handlers before they could carry out arson and a possible blast.

In Short

• Group planned arson, sabotage on railway and government sites
• Accused used social media for coordination and radicalisation
• Materials like inflammable can and smartphones recovered

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has busted a terror module allegedly operating under the direction of Pakistani handlers, which was plotting arson, sabotage, and activities aimed at spreading panic across India.

According to the ATS, the group was in contact with Pakistani handlers and radical groups through social media platforms such as Telegram, Signal, and Instagram.

The main accused has been identified as Saqib alias Devil from Meerut, who, along with his associates, was involved in anti-national activities.

Investigations revealed that the group was planning to target railway signal boxes, prominent institutions, trucks carrying gas cylinders, and other government or critical assets.

The ATS said that the accused conducted reconnaissance of political figures and key institutions, sharing the information with Pakistani handlers. The group had surveyed several locations in Ghaziabad, Aligarh, and Lucknow, including important sites and railway properties.

Pakistani handlers reportedly sent Google location coordinates to the accused, based on which reconnaissance and target selection were carried out.

The group had also carried out minor arson incidents at some locations and recorded videos of these acts, which were then sent to the handlers in Pakistan. In return, the module received funds through QR codes, indicating an organised financial network.

According to the ATS, Pakistani handlers used social media to radicalise youths by circulating content under names such as “Osama bin Laden”, “Farhatullah Gori”, “Kashmir Mujahideen”, and “Ghazwa-e-Hind”.

2 APRIL LUCKNOW STATION BLAST PLOT

On April 2, 2026, the group was preparing to carry out arson and a possible explosion near the Lucknow railway station, targeting railway property, tracks, and signal systems.

Acting in time, the ATS reached the spot and arrested four accused before the plan could be executed.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Saqib alias Devil, Vikas Gehlawat alias Raunak, Lokesh alias Papla Pandit alias Babu alias Sanju, and Arbaab.

A case has been registered at ATS police station in Lucknow under sections 148, 152, 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 13 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

During the operation, the ATS recovered a can filled with a flammable substance, seven smartphones, 24 pamphlets, and Aadhaar cards.

The ATS said the module aimed to create fear and terror in India, cause economic damage, and target government properties.

- Ends