Uttar Pradesh ATS Foils Targeted Killing Plot Against Police and Military Personnel in Lucknow
Three suspects linked to a banned network were arrested in Lucknow for plotting to kill police or military personnel, directed by a Pakistani handler.
Lucknow, October 30 (Daily Kiran) : The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has successfully thwarted a plot to carry out targeted killings of police or military personnel in Lucknow. Three individuals associated with the banned Shehzad Bhatti Network (SBN) were arrested, and a juvenile was placed under police supervision. Initial investigations revealed that the suspects had traveled to Lucknow under the orders of a Pakistani handler known as Rana Bhai.
The ATS seized a foreign pistol and 20 cartridges from the suspects. According to Amitabh Yash, Additional Director General of Law and Order, the ATS received intelligence indicating that members of the SBN were planning terrorist activities in India through young men from Punjab, specifically targeting establishments linked to the military and police.
Following this information, the ATS identified the suspects as Gagandeep Singh (26) from Amritsar, Rajat Kumar (19), and Krish (21) from Gurdaspur. They were apprehended on October 30. During questioning, the suspects revealed that Rana Bhai had tasked them with killing a police officer or soldier and sending a video of the act back to him.
The suspects claimed they were promised ₹300,000 for completing the task. They arrived in Lucknow on the night of October 29, after traveling from Amritsar through Delhi. They had been in contact with Rana Bhai via Instagram and WhatsApp, who had sent them ₹2,585 for their travel expenses. Upon arrival, they recorded a video of the Lucknow railway station as instructed.
The suspects also disclosed that a local contact provided them with the pistol and cartridges. Rana Bhai had sent additional funds for their expenses and promised them a getaway to Nepal after the crime. The ATS found evidence on the suspects’ mobile phones, including communications with virtual WhatsApp accounts and foreign numbers.
Investigations revealed suspicious chats, videos, and reconnaissance related to sensitive locations, which were allegedly sent to the Pakistani handler. A case has been registered at the ATS police station in Lucknow under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Arms Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The ATS is continuing its investigation into other individuals involved in the plot, local collaborators, and the network supplying weapons and funds. Police are also seeking a custody remand for further questioning of the suspects.
