The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad (UP ATS) arrested two individuals in Noida for collaborating with Pakistan’s ISI-backed gangsters to radicalise youth and plot terror attacks.
The accused, identified as Tushar Chauhan alias Hizbullah Ali Khan (20) from Meerut and Sameer Khan (20) from Old Seemapuri in Delhi, were taken into custody on Thursday.
Officials registered a case at ATS Police Station, Lucknow, under the Arms Act and UAPA provisions. The duo was produced before the court, and further legal proceedings are underway.
Investigators revealed that Pakistani gangsters Shahzad Bhatti and Abid Jatt, along with radical YouTubers, orchestrated a conspiracy to destabilise India’s internal peace. They used Instagram and encrypted channels to lure young Indians into sleeper cells, promising money and foreign travel.
During interrogation, Tushar admitted he created Instagram accounts in Bhatti’s name to impress him and later established direct contact. Bhatti instructed him to throw grenades at designated targets and offered Rs 50,000 in advance, with Rs 2.5 lakh promised after completion. He also assured passport facilitation and travel to Pakistan via Dubai.
Sameer Khan connected with Bhatti through social media and was tasked with spray-painting “TTH” (Tehrik-e-Taliban Hindustan) on walls and recruiting others. Both accused issued death threats under the guidance of Pakistani handlers.
UP ATS recovered a pistol, cartridges, and a knife from their possession. Authorities confirmed that the arrests disrupted a major terror plot. Police custody remand will be sought to gather more intelligence on accomplices and the wider network.
