Lucknow: The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of the Uttar Pradesh police on Sunday arrested two suspected terrorists from the Dubagga area in Lucknow. Acting on a tip-off, the two were apprehended from a house in the Ring Road area in Kakori.
As per the report, the ATS has also arrested two of the acquaintances of terrorists from Mohibullapur under the limits of the Mandiyawn police station. One of the arrested terrorists has been identified as Shahid alias Guddu whereas the house, from where they were arrested, belongs to a person named Wasim. Both sons of Wasim have also taken into custody for interrogation.
Sources said the arrested are suspected of having Al-Qaeda links. Police personnel were deployed in large numbers during the operation. ATS sources claimed that two pressure-cooker bombs, a semi-manufactured time bomb and six to seven kilograms of explosives were recovered from the spot.
The sources also said that terrorists were planning for serial blasts and some of the big leaders were also on their target. They also said that the presence of at least 9 militants are speculated hence search operation is underway to nab the remaining of them.
Speaking to the media, Prashant Kumar, ADG Law and Order, Uttar Pradesh said, "ATS Uttar Pradesh uncovered a terror module and arrested two terrorists of Al-Qaeda's Indian subcontinent module. One has been arrested from Kakori Police Station, while the other has been nabbed from Mariahu."
"They along with their associates were planning to conduct a blast in Lucknow and surrounding areas before August 15. Pistols, IED and huge explosives were recovered from their possession. The search operation is underway to nab their other associates" stated Kumar. The ADG said the terror module is being operated by their masterminds sitting across the border. "The Al-Qaeda's Indian subcontinent module started since 2014 is being governed by Umar Halmandi from Peshawar, Quetta in Pakistan," added Kumar.
It is pertinent to mention here that the ATS team has closed the route near the Dubagga intersection and the team is spread over 500 metres since Sunday morning. The bomb disposal squad was also called who defused both the pressure cooker bombs. A strong contingent of security forces along with top officials from various agencies have also reached the spot.
Also read: Congress needs to give Priyanka a role outside UP
Also read: UP govt releases new population policy for 2021-2030
