The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested two individuals allegedly linked to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and gangster Shahzad Bhatti as part of an ongoing terror conspiracy investigation. Officials confirmed that the accused utilized social media platforms to establish sleeper cells and conducted surveillance on sensitive institutions and police establishments across the state.
According to ATS sources, the suspects were involved in gathering intelligence and sharing it with handlers based in Pakistan. Investigators recovered incriminating evidence from their mobile phones, including chat logs, video call records, and location-sharing data. The arrests came after a detailed probe into a network that aimed to destabilize security in Uttar Pradesh.
Details of the Arrests
The two suspects, whose identities have not been disclosed, were taken into custody following a coordinated operation by the ATS. Officials revealed that the accused had allegedly filmed a police station and transmitted the footage to their contacts in Pakistan. The evidence suggests that the network was actively scouting potential targets and recruiting new members for subversive activities.
Modus Operandi
The ATS investigation uncovered that the suspects used encrypted messaging apps to communicate with their handlers. They were instructed to monitor high-security zones and report back on security arrangements. The recovered data includes photographs of government buildings, police stations, and other critical infrastructure.
Senior ATS officials stated that the arrests are a significant breakthrough in curbing cross-border terror networks. The accused are believed to have been operating under the direction of Shahzad Bhatti, a notorious gangster with links to the ISI. Further interrogation is underway to identify other members of the network.
Broader Context
This operation is part of a larger effort by Indian security agencies to dismantle sleeper cells and prevent terror attacks. The ATS has been actively monitoring social media activity and collaborating with central agencies to track suspicious communications. The arrests come amid heightened vigilance following recent security alerts.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station. The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are expected as the probe widens.
