ATS arrests two accused of Pak links in terror case

Lucknow: Two Class VIII dropouts arrested by the UP anti-terrorist squad (ATS) on Wednesday for alleged links with Pakistan-based terror handlers had reportedly conducted reconnaissance of potential targets in UP, Delhi and Maharashtra and received payments through multiple bank accounts, investigators said.

The accused, Daniyal Ashraf (23) of Barabanki and Krishna Mishra (20) of Kushinagar, were arrested by ATS teams following intelligence inputs about a Pakistan-backed conspiracy to radicalise Indian youths through Instagram and other social media platforms and use them as sleeper cell operatives.

According to ATS officials, both the accused had studied only up to Class VIII and were allegedly drawn into the network through online propaganda and promises of money.

ATS officers claimed the recruitment and radicalisation process was being coordinated by Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti along with associates Abid Jatt and Hammad, who allegedly maintained contact with the duo through social media platforms and encrypted calls.

Officers said the accused were tasked with conducting reconnaissance of police establishments, security installations, and other sensitive targets in UP, Delhi and Maharashtra.

Investigators claimed that videos, photographs and location details of certain police stations and sensitive sites were shared by the accused with Pakistan-based handlers.

According to the ATS, digital evidence found on the mobile phones of the accused included video call recordings, WhatsApp group conversations, voice notes, reconnaissance videos and chats with foreign numbers allegedly linked to Pakistani operatives.

Officials said investigators also found evidence suggesting that the accused received money through different bank accounts and digital channels allegedly to support operational activities and maintain communication with handlers.

“Daniyal Ashraf sought firearms and funds from the handlers for carrying out attacks, while Krishna Mishra’s phone reportedly contained videos discussing the shooting of personnel in uniform and surveillance footage of potential targets,” an officer said.

Police said firearms, live cartridges and mobile phones were recovered from the two accused.

Officials said both accused have been produced before the court and investigation is underway to identify additional operatives and unravel the wider terror network operating through social media platforms.