'Trial mission to kill BJP leaders': UP ATS arrests man linked to Pakistan-backed terror network

LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested a 22-year-old Class 10 pass-out from Azamgarh for allegedly working for a Pakistan-backed terror network that was grooming Indian youths through social media and assigning them targeted missions, including the planned assassination of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders.

The accused, Mohammad Shaikh, son of Rehan Ahmad and a resident of Khudadadpur village under Nizamabad police station limits in Azamgarh, was arrested following a sustained intelligence-led operation involving electronic surveillance, digital analysis and field verification. ATS teams recovered a 9 mm pistol, four live cartridges and a mobile phone from his possession.

According to ATS officials, intelligence inputs indicated that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), in collaboration with terror outfits and Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti's network, was attempting to create a network of sleeper-cell operatives in India. Investigators alleged that young men were being identified and recruited through social media platforms, where they were offered financial incentives and subjected to sustained ideological indoctrination.

Officials said the network allegedly sought to radicalise recruits and prepare them for anti-national activities, including reconnaissance of potential targets, targeted killings, attacks on security personnel and strikes on politically sensitive locations. The objective, investigators believe, was to create locally embedded operatives capable of carrying out acts of violence without immediately attracting suspicion.

Mohammad Shaikh came under ATS scrutiny after investigators detected his alleged contact with foreign-based handlers through WhatsApp and social media accounts linked to Pakistani and Dubai-based mobile numbers.

During the investigation, ATS officials found evidence suggesting that he had become deeply influenced by extremist propaganda and was actively communicating with members of the network.

The probe revealed that Shaikh was allegedly handled by Shahzad Bhatti and two other Pakistan-based operatives identified as Ajmal Gurjar and Raza Pakistani. Investigators claim these handlers were responsible for radicalising recruits, assigning tasks and maintaining operational contact with network members in India.

According to the ATS, Shaikh was assigned a "trial mission" to demonstrate his commitment to the network. The assignment allegedly involved threatening and subsequently assassinating BJP leaders from another state. Officials said he was first instructed to gather information and conduct surveillance before carrying out the planned attack. Successful execution of the mission was allegedly intended to pave the way for his induction into a larger terror module.

Investigators claim the accused had already procured a firearm and ammunition and was preparing to execute the assignment. The ATS is now examining whether he had conducted any reconnaissance and whether other individuals were involved in facilitating the planned attack.

Officials also suspect that Shaikh was attempting to recruit other youths from his area into the network. His mobile phone and digital devices are being examined to identify contacts, communication channels, financial transactions and possible links to additional operatives.

A case has been registered against him under Sections 148, 152 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Section 3/25 of the Arms Act and Section 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The ATS will seek his police custody remand for further interrogation to uncover the full extent of the alleged conspiracy and identify others associated with the network.

The arrest comes barely a month after the ATS apprehended two other alleged operatives linked to Shahzad Bhatti's network. The accused, Daniyal Ashraf (23) of Barabanki and Krishna Mishra (20) of Kushinagar, both Class VIII dropouts, were allegedly radicalised through Instagram and other social media platforms.

Investigators had claimed that the duo conducted reconnaissance of potential targets in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Maharashtra and received funds through multiple bank accounts. ATS officials believe the latest arrest points to a broader and continuing effort by Pakistan-based handlers to recruit vulnerable Indian youths online and use them for terror-related activities inside the country.

The ATS said further investigation is underway and more arrests cannot be ruled out.