UP Barber Terror Module Exposed: ATS Foils Lucknow Plot
A major terror plot linked to Pakistan handlers was foiled in Lucknow as Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested four accused before a planned attack.
A major terror attack was prevented in Lucknow on 2nd April after the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested four accused before they could carry out their plan.
The case started earlier on 4th March 2026, when a van was set on fire in Bijnor. At first, it looked like a single incident, but police later arrested two men, Abuzar and Zaid, on 12th March.
During questioning, it was found that Abuzar needed money and was connected by Zaid to a man named Abu Bakar through Telegram. Abu Bakar is believed to have links with handlers in Pakistan. He told Abuzar to set vehicles on fire, record videos, and send proof in return for money.
Abuzar followed the instructions and received payment after sending the video. Zaid was also part of multiple online groups.
Further investigation led to Saqib, also known as ‘Devil’ or ‘David’, from Meerut. Police say he was managing the network and was in touch with foreign handlers using apps like Telegram, Instagram, and Signal. Some contacts were linked to numbers from Afghanistan.
Saqib recruited others including Arbab, Vikas Gehlawat, and Lokesh (also known as Papla Pandit). All were between 19 and 27 years old. They were told that creating more fear would bring more money.
The group carried out small incidents like setting vehicles on fire as practice and received around ?12,000 for each act. Their phones showed searches related to making bombs and improving attack methods.
They travelled across cities like Meerut, Ghaziabad, Aligarh, and Lucknow to identify targets. These included crowded places, government buildings, railway infrastructure, and vehicles.
One major plan was near Lucknow Railway Station, where they aimed to damage the signal system, which could have caused train accidents and heavy loss of life.
They were also asked to target LPG trucks and public property like showrooms. Investigators said fake names and propaganda were used to influence them.
Saqib was leading the group locally and was supported by his brother based in Dubai. By this time, ATS was already tracking them based on intelligence inputs.
Just before the planned attack, ATS arrested all four accused. Police recovered a chemical-filled container, 7 mobile phones, pamphlets, and documents.
Officials believe the group had links with Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
In a related development, a sub-inspector in Bijnor was suspended for ignoring key evidence, and a senior officer was shifted due to lapses in supervision.
The accused were presented in court on 4th April, and ATS got 5 days for further questioning. The case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Investigation is ongoing by ATS and the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
