ATS widens terror moduleprobe; look out circularissued for suspect in Dubai
LUCKNOW, April 8 -- The UP Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has issued a look out circular (LOC) against Aqib, a Meerut resident believed to be hiding in Dubai, as investigators widen their probe into the Pakistan-backed suspected terror sabotage module busted with the arrest of four men from Lucknow on Friday.
According to ATS officials, Aqib has emerged as a key link in the alleged network that was operating at the behest of Pakistan-based handlers and was allegedly involved in plans to target railway infrastructure, public utilities and crowded locations to trigger panic and economic disruption. Officials said the LOC has been issued to alert immigration and airport authorities across the country so that Aqib can be intercepted, if he attempts to enter India.
Investigators suspect he played a crucial role in facilitating communication between the arrested accused and handlers operating from across the border, allegedly using encrypted platforms and foreign phone numbers. The development comes after the ATS arrested four suspected operatives on Friday in Lucknow and claimed to have foiled a major sabotage plot allegedly linked to Pakistan's intelligence network.
The absconding suspect is using social media to protest his innocence, but his videos have become central to the investigation. Aqib Khan from Meerut has uploaded three clips from Dubai in the past five days, even as the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) examine whether he acted as a conduit between arrested operatives and an ISI handler. In the past five days, Aqib, a social media figure with over 40,000 followers on Instagram, has uploaded three videos across multiple accounts. Investigators are examining this as an apparent attempt to publicly distance himself from the case while agencies continue to track his alleged links with the arrested suspects.
In one of the videos, Aqib is heard saying, "This is our country. We will never betray it," while urging authorities not to brand him a terrorist and to act only against those found guilty....
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