UP ATS Arrests 3 Punjab Men, Detains Juvenile Over Alleged Lucknow Plotਯੂਪੀ ਏਟੀਐੱਸ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ 3 ਨੌਜਵਾਨ ਗ੍ਰਿਫ਼ਤਾਰ, ਲਖਨਊ ਸਾਜ਼ਿਸ਼ ਦਾ ਦੋਸ਼

Uttar Pradesh's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) says it has foiled an alleged plot to kill a soldier or policeman in Lucknow, arresting three men from Punjab and detaining a 17-year-old. Officials say the group acted on instructions from a Pakistan-based handler known as "Rana Bhai", linked to the banned Shahzad Bhatti network. These are the agency's claims; none has been tested in court.

What did the UP ATS say?

According to The Indian Express, India Today and IANS, the ATS arrested the three on Friday, October 30, after intelligence inputs that youths from Punjab with alleged links to the network were planning to kill an Army or police member, or attack a police establishment, and record it on video. Two of the arrested are from Amritsar, aged 26 and 19, and one is 21, from Gurdaspur. The juvenile is also from Punjab. A foreign-made pistol and 20 cartridges were recovered, officials said.

How did the alleged plan work?

Investigators told reporters the group left Amritsar on October 27, travelled via Delhi and reached Lucknow around midnight on October 29. They allegedly spoke to the handler over Instagram and WhatsApp and were told to film the act and send the footage to him. Reports say they were promised money and had planned to flee to Nepal; one reported figure is Rs 3 lakh, and the handler allegedly sent Rs 2,585 for travel.

What cases have been registered?

An FIR at the ATS police station in Lucknow invokes Sections 152 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Sections 3 and 25 of the Arms Act and Sections 18 and 38 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, as reported by Times of India and other outlets. Additional DG (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash said the ATS would seek police custody remand to trace the financial trail and other associates. One of the accused reportedly faced an earlier Arms Act case in Punjab.

Why does it matter for Punjab?

The ATS says the network has been using young men from Punjab for attacks on security establishments. Punjab Police has recently reported several arrests involving cross-border handlers and illegal weapons. Jugti has reported on those busts, including [the Amritsar arrests with 11 pistols](/news/punjab/amritsar-eight-held-pistols-heroin/). The accusations against these young men remain allegations until proved.

Who is Rana Bhai?

The ATS describes him as an active member of the Shahzad Bhatti network based in Pakistan. His identity has not been independently verified.

Where were the men arrested?

In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on October 30, 2026, though they come from Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts in Punjab.

What was seized?

A foreign-made pistol and 20 cartridges, according to the ATS.