The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad(ATS) has uncovered a shocking terror conspiracy involving two suspects from Meerut, Saqib alias “Devil” and his associate Arbab. Investigations reveal that the duo, allegedly in direct contact with Pakistani handlers, were plotting attacks on malls, railway stations and other crowded places across western Uttar Pradesh. According to officials, both accused had returned to their hometown in Meerut during Eid and stayed for nearly three days. What has alarmed agencies is that their presence went completely unnoticed by local intelligence units. Authorities are now probing whether the suspects conducted recce of key locations such as malls and railway stations and shared photographs or videos with their foreign handlers.
The suspects, originally from the Parikshitgarh area of Meerut, had been living outside Uttar Pradesh for years. Saqib had been running a barber shop in Hyderabad for the past eight years, while Arbab had shifted to Gurugram four years ago, working as a welder. Despite their seemingly ordinary lives, interrogation has revealed deep links with radical networks and Pakistani handlers.
Investigators have found that the duo had been in continuous touch with handlers across the border and were receiving instructions and funds for their activities. Payments were made online via QR codes shared by Saqib, who then distributed the money within his network. Mobile data recovered also contains international numbers, including contacts from Afghanistan. Officials say the suspects were targeting key cities in western Uttar Pradesh. Their plan was to execute attacks in major urban centers first to create panic and then expand operations to other regions.
The accused admitted during interrogation that several prominent political leaders in the state were also on their target list. They had allegedly conducted detailed recce of these individuals and were waiting for instructions from their handlers to act. Authorities are now verifying the names disclosed by the accused and assessing the level of threat to these leaders. Further investigation also revealed that Saqib has a criminal past record. In 2019, a case under rape and the POCSO Act was registered against him in Meerut, for which he was jailed. After securing bail, he moved to Hyderabad but continued to visit Meerut for court hearings. Agencies suspect that he may have used these visits to gradually build a local network.
Intelligence teams are now discreetly investigating the role of family members, acquaintances, and potential collaborators. A list of youths from Meerut who were in contact with the accused is also being prepared. Inputs from recent arrests of suspected spies in regions like Greater Noida, Ambala, Ghaziabad, and Hapur are believed to have helped ATS crack this module.
Parallel plot foiled in Lucknow
The UP ATS also foiled another major terror plot in Lucknow. It arrested four suspects who were allegedly planning explosions and arson in the state capital. The primary target was reportedly a major railway station in Lucknow. They were planning to derail trains by blowing up railway signal systems, create chaos through fires in gas-laden trucks and prominent institutions. These suspects were also found to be in touch with Pakistani handlers and networks linked to intelligence agencies across the border.
The investigation has revealed that Saqib was actively using platforms like Telegram, Instagram, and Signal to communicate with handlers and extremist groups. He allegedly lured others into the network by offering money, recruiting individuals such as Vikas alias Raunak and Lokesh alias Papla from Gautam Buddh Nagar.
During the operation, authorities recovered inflammable materials, seven mobile phones, documents, and identity cards from the accused. Cases have been registered under relevant sections of the Indian law, including provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The probe is now focused on analyzing call detail records (CDRs), mobile data, and financial transactions to trace the full extent of the network. Authorities are trying to determine how deeply the module had penetrated local areas and whether more operatives are involved. Security agencies remain on high alert as they continue to dismantle what appears to be a well-coordinated and potentially dangerous terror network operating across multiple cities in Uttar Pradesh.
