Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
A Pakistan-linked terror module operating out of Uttar Pradesh‘s Meerut used Hindu recruits and coded identities to evade suspicion and carry out reconnaissance at sensitive sites, investigators have found during questioning by the Uttar Pradesh ATS.
The revelations emerged during the remand of Shakib, one of the key accused, who is believed to have been in direct contact with handlers based in Pakistan. According to investigators, he was instructed to avoid capture and “not leave the mission incomplete”, while working towards what handlers described as “Ghazwa-e-Hind”.
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“If India tries to stage any false flag operation this time,” Shakib was told by handlers, who also pushed for expanding the network carefully to avoid detection.
HINDU RECRUITS USED AS COVER
Investigators say Shakib was asked to bring young Hindu men into the module to help bypass security scrutiny. Acting on those instructions, he recruited Vikas and Lokesh, allegedly luring them with money and radical messaging.
The two were given coded identities; Lokesh was referred to as “Salim” and Vikas as “Zahid”, as part of efforts to conceal their roles.
During questioning, it emerged that Shakib relied on Lokesh for reconnaissance, especially in areas where being identified as Hindu allowed easier access, including religious locations.
DUBAI LINK AND ONLINE RADICALISATION
The probe has also pointed to a key overseas link. Investigators believe a man identified as Aaqib, based in Dubai, was coordinating the module and facilitating contact between Shakib and Pakistani handlers.
Aaqib allegedly used social media platforms such as Instagram and Telegram to recruit and influence youths, sharing content featuring weapons, including AK-47 rifles and offering money to draw them in.
According to officials, “motivational” content and visuals of firearms were used to normalise violence and attract recruits into anti-India activities.
SURVEILLANCE OF DEFENCE SITES
The ATS has found that the group conducted reconnaissance of multiple defence installations and cantonment areas across the state. Videos of these locations were recorded and sent to handlers.
Investigators say handlers shared precise Google locations with Shakib, who then visited those spots with his associates, filmed the areas, and transmitted the footage back. Payments were reportedly made in return.
There are also indications that the module gathered information on the movement and security of prominent religious and Hindutva leaders.
ARRESTS AND WIDER NETWORK UNDER LENS
The Uttar Pradesh ATS has arrested Shakib alias Devil, Arbab, Vikas alias Raunak from Gautam Buddh Nagar, and Lokesh alias Papla Pandit in connection with the case.
According to ADG Law and Order Amitabh Yash, Shakib had direct links with Aaqib, who has been operating from abroad for a prolonged period. His name has been included in the FIR, and legal action is being prepared.
PATTERN SEEN BEFORE
Investigators say the modus operandi seen in the latest case is not new. In recent months, multiple such modules linked to Pakistan-based handlers and global terror outfits have surfaced across Uttar Pradesh.
In one such case, the Uttar Pradesh ATS arrested Harish Ali from Saharanpur, a BDS student accused of promoting ISIS ideology and recruiting members through online platforms. Officials said he operated several groups on Instagram and encrypted apps like Session and Discord, sharing propaganda material and coordinating with handlers based in Pakistan and other countries.
In another case, the ATS had busted a Pakistan-linked module allegedly planning arson and sabotage to spread panic. The group was in touch with handlers through Telegram, Signal and Instagram, using social media to coordinate activities and recruit members.
A separate crackdown in Lucknow had led to the arrest of four suspects linked to an ISI-backed network. Investigators said the group was planning attacks at key locations, including railway infrastructure, with the aim of triggering panic. Materials including chemicals, mobile phones and identity documents were recovered during the operation.
In yet another case, a plot to disrupt railway traffic near Lucknow railway station was foiled. The accused, including a key operative from Meerut, were found to be in direct contact with Pakistan-based handlers. The plan involved setting fire to signalling systems, raising fears of a major accident and casualties.
Officials say the recurring pattern, use of social media for recruitment, links to handlers abroad, and targeting of critical infrastructure, is now under closer scrutiny, with agencies probing whether these modules are interconnected.
– Ends
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
