In an anti-terror crackdown, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Special Task Force (STF) have arrested four persons allegedly linked to a Pakistan-backed sleeper cell network operating through digital platforms. Officials said the module was allegedly connected to Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti and his associate Abid Jat, who are suspected of attempting to recruit Indian youths for anti-national activities. The arrests took place during a joint operation in Saharanpur. The accused have been identified as Mehkar and Shahrukh from Saharanpur, Gagandeep Singh alias Buri Singh from Muzaffarnagar, and Musharraf from Haridwar. Investigators said the suspects were allegedly in touch with Pakistani handlers through social media platforms and encrypted video calling apps.
In a statement posted on X, Uttar Pradesh Police described the operation as a “strong strike against anti-national conspiracies being run through digital platforms.” The police said the operation exposed attempts to build a sleeper-cell network with the help of online communication tools and recruitment efforts targeting Indian youth.
https://x.com/ANI/status/2059635506502386140
Uttar Pradesh Additional Director General (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash said the operation reflects the state’s stepped-up action against terror-linked networks using digital platforms for recruitment and coordination. He stated that the Uttar Pradesh ATS and STF have jointly targeted a group allegedly attempting to mislead and recruit youths through online channels. He further noted that initial findings indicate efforts to establish sleeper cells and maintain contact with foreign handlers and added that the case is under detailed investigation.
Investigators further alleged that Mehkar and Gagandeep had met in Noida in March 2026, where discussions reportedly took place regarding arrangements for weapons and funding linked to a planned incident. The meeting is being viewed as an important lead in the wider investigation into the suspected network.
Security agencies said that the network was being operated under the influence of Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI and was focused on radicalising and recruiting young individuals by offering financial incentives and ideological motivation. Officials alleged that the accused were tasked with building local sleeper cells and identifying vulnerable youths who could be drawn into extremist activities.
During the investigation, ATS teams tracked suspicious online activities and gathered intelligence about the accused being in contact with foreign handlers. Initial questioning revealed that the suspects had allegedly collected and shared information about hospitals, sensitive locations, and important sites. Officials suspect the information could have been used to plan anti-national or terror-related activities.
Officials said the latest arrests have emerged barely weeks after another alleged Pakistan-linked module was exposed during an ATS investigation involving Tushar Chauhan alias Hizbullah Ali Khan and Sameer Khan. In that case, investigators had alleged that Pakistan-based handlers connected to Shahzad Bhatti and Abid Jat were directly supervising operations through conference calls and encrypted messaging platforms.
Earlier, the ATS said Tushar was allegedly influenced online and promised Rs 50,000 in advance and Rs 2.5 lakh after completing the work. It was also alleged that he was told he would be helped to escape to Pakistan via Dubai after the operation. Officials believe that Shahzad Bhatti’s name appearing in several investigations shows that handlers based across the border are trying to use social media and encrypted apps to build local networks and recruit people in India. Police said a case has been registered at the ATS police station in Lucknow and the investigation is ongoing. Agencies are checking digital records, money trails, and possible links with people in other states to find out how large the network is.
