Security authorities in Uttar Pradesh have thwarted a targeted killing conspiracy in Lucknow, arresting three individuals connected to the banned Shehzad Bhatti network. A juvenile has also been taken into protective custody as part of the operation. Investigators revealed that the suspects were operating under direct instructions from a handler based across the border to target and kill a member of the police or the armed forces in the capital city. Officers seized a foreign-made pistol along with 20 live foreign cartridges during the operation.
Suspects Dispatched from Punjab to Lucknow
Providing details on the case, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash stated that the UP ATS apprehended the three accused on October 30, 2026, in Lucknow. The arrested individuals have been identified as Gagandeep Singh, Rajat Kumar, and Krish, all hailing from Punjab. A juvenile involved in the group was also taken into custody. Law enforcement agencies are now tracking other individuals connected to the plot, including local facilitators, the weapon supply network, and associated financial trails.
Instructions from Cross-Border Handler Rana Bhai
Initial questioning revealed that the suspects maintained regular communication with a Pakistan-based handler known as Rana Bhai via social media platforms, including Instagram and WhatsApp. Under orders from Rana Bhai, the group was assigned the task of assassinating either a police officer or a military personnel in Lucknow and recording a video of the incident to send back to Pakistan. The operatives were provided financial assistance to travel to Lucknow, with the promise of an additional 3 lakh rupees upon successful execution of the attack. Their plan also included escaping across the border into Nepal immediately after the crime to evade law enforcement.
Reconnaissance of Sensitive Locations and Arms Recovery
According to Amitabh Yash, Gagandeep Singh already faces a prior case under the Arms Act registered in Punjab. Forensic examination of the suspects' mobile devices revealed suspicious chat logs, video clips, and evidence of reconnaissance conducted on sensitive installations, with location details transmitted to the Pakistani handler. It was further discovered that the firearms and ammunition were delivered to the accused within Lucknow itself by another associate connected to the syndicate, with questioning indicating that the weaponry originated from Pakistan.
Investigation Expands to Uncover Local Network
Investigators will seek police custody remand of the suspects to conduct in-depth interrogations, aiming to identify remaining collaborators, local support nodes, arms distribution channels, and the exact money-transfer mechanisms behind the operation. Security agencies remain focused on dismantling the entire logistical pipeline supporting such targeted attacks, ensuring that threats aimed at undermining the morale of defence and law enforcement forces are dismantled at the root.
