UP ATS arrests two suspects linked to ISI-backed module

A case was registered at the ATS police station in Lucknow under BNS, Arms Act and UAPA; the accused were produced before a court and police custody remand will be sought for further interrogation as authorities trace other operatives and dismantle the wider network.

The ATS said the accused issued threats under directions of their handlers, with Pakistan-based operatives occasionally joining conference calls.

Tubar allegedly created multiple social media accounts to stay in touch with handlers after earlier profiles were blocked, later shifting to voice and video communication. Sameer was in encrypted channels and was instructed to write 'TTH (Tehrik-e-Taliban Hindustan)' on walls and enlist more recruits.

ATS recovered a .32 bore pistol, five live cartridges, a knife and two mobile phones from the accused.

Handlers allegedly promised ₹50,000 in advance and ₹2.5 lakh after executing attacks, with assistance in travelling to Pakistan via Dubai.

The accused were described as being developed as sleeper cells tasked with reconnaissance of sensitive locations and incitement to target individuals and carry out grenade attacks at selected sites.

Investigators said the duo were in contact with Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti and his associate Aabid Jatt, allegedly operating at the behest of the ISI, with platforms such as Instagram used to establish contact and offer inducements to radicalise.

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested Tubar Chauhan alias Hizbullah Ali Khan, 20, a native of Baghpat now living in Meerut, and Sameer Khan, 20, a resident of Seemapuri in Delhi, after corroboration of intelligence inputs about Pakistan-based handlers grooming Indian youths online for attacks.