Uttar Pradesh Police Busts Digital Sleeper Cell Tied to Pakistani Criminal

The Uttar Pradesh Police have successfully dismantled a sleeper cell operating digitally, reportedly connected to the notorious Pakistani gangster Shahzad Bhatti. Authorities announced the breakthrough on Wednesday.

Amitabh Yash, head of Law and Order, revealed that the joint effort between the state's Anti-Terrorism Squad and Special Task Force culminated in the arrest of four suspects in Saharanpur on Tuesday. Those detained include local residents Mahkab and Shahrukh, Muzaffarnagar's Gagandeep, known as Guri Singh, and Musharraf from Haridwar.

Initial investigations suggest these individuals maintained consistent communication with handlers in Pakistan via social media and video calling platforms. Yash stated the group was engaged in surveying critical sites and recruiting young locals for terrorist and destabilizing activities nationwide.

This achievement underscores the diligent efforts of state agencies to counteract cross-border digital threats to national security. Law enforcement has lodged a case at the ATS Police Station in Lucknow, as further interrogations proceed to expose the network's depth and possible financial links.

(With inputs from agencies.)