LUCKNOW, May 28 -- The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) and Special Task Force (STF) have arrested four alleged operatives linked to a Pakistan-backed sleeper-cell network after investigators uncovered what officials described as a conspiracy involving reconnaissance of sensitive targets, recruitment of youths and expansion of terror-linked activities through digital platforms.

According to officials, the accused were allegedly instructed by Pakistani handlers to conduct reconnaissance of a political party office in another state, a hospital and a person associated with multiple schools as part of a larger conspiracy to carry out disruptive or terror-related activities.

Officials said the accused were allegedly operating under the ...