Three linked to Pakistan's Shehzad Bhatti arrested in Lucknow for plot to kill security personnel

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested three people allegedly linked to Pakistan-based Shehzad Bhatti Network (SBN) for plotting to carry out targeted killings of police or military personnel in Lucknow, officials said on Friday. A juvenile has also been taken into custody.

The accused were allegedly acting on the instructions of a Pakistani handler identified as “Rana Bhai”. Preliminary investigations suggest they were tasked with killing a police or military official, recording the act and sending the video to their handler.

The ATS recovered a foreign-made pistol and 20 foreign-made cartridges from the accused.

Pakistani handler allegedly directed the operation

According to Uttar Pradesh ADG (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash, intelligence inputs indicated that members of the banned Shehzad Bhatti Network were recruiting young people from Punjab to carry out terrorist activities in India and target Army and police establishments.

Investigators found that gangster Gagandeep Singh and his associates were in contact with the Pakistani handler, Rana Bhai.

Acting on the intelligence inputs, the ATS arrested the accused on Friday. They have been identified as Gagandeep Singh, 26, from Amritsar, and Rajat Kumar, 19, and Krish, 21, from Gurdaspur in Punjab. A juvenile was also taken into custody and placed under police supervision.

Accused promised Rs 3 lakh for killing

During preliminary questioning, the arrested individuals allegedly told investigators that they had been promised Rs 3 lakh for carrying out the assignment.

They reportedly left Amritsar on October 27, travelled through Delhi and reached Lucknow around midnight on October 29. They remained in contact with Rana Bhai through Instagram and WhatsApp.

After arriving in Lucknow, the accused allegedly recorded a video of Lucknow Railway Station and sent it to the handler as instructed.

Investigators were also told that Rana Bhai had assured them that weapons and ammunition would be supplied from Pakistan.

The accused were allegedly provided with a pistol and cartridges after reaching Lucknow through a local contact. The handler also transferred Rs 2,500 to each of them on two occasions to cover their expenses.

They were reportedly promised assistance in escaping to Nepal after completing the operation.

Suspicious chats, reconnaissance material found

The ATS said preliminary examination of the accused’s mobile phones revealed WhatsApp accounts operated through virtual numbers, along with communications involving foreign numbers.

Investigators also found suspicious chats, videos and information linked to reconnaissance of sensitive installations. The ATS believes details about these locations were shared with the Pakistani handler.

The investigation is now focused on establishing the extent of the alleged network and identifying others involved in the conspiracy.

Case registered under UAPA, BNS

A case has been registered at the ATS police station in Lucknow under Case No. 16/2026.

The accused have been booked under Sections 152 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, Sections 3/25 of the Arms Act, and Sections 18 and 38 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The ATS is investigating possible local collaborators, the alleged weapon supply network and financial transactions linked to the case.

Police are also expected to seek custody remand of the accused for further interrogation.

(with IANS inputs)