Lucknow: Police and intelligence agencies in Lucknow have stepped up surveillance and launched targeted inquiries after probes into a major explosives seizure in Faridabad uncovered possible links to the city. In the wake of the Red Fort/Delhi explosion and subsequent Faridabad arrests, Uttar Pradesh’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and local police have opened fresh lines of inquiry into former suspects and other persons of interest living in and around Lucknow.
Police sources said teams are maintaining 24-hour monitoring of 18 individuals whose names previously surfaced in terror-related investigations. Detailed background checks are under way — including examination of old criminal records, recent travel histories, banking transactions and social-media/internet activity — to establish whether any recently released prisoners or others have become active again. Local intelligence units and ATS teams have been asked to identify and conduct searches at possible hideouts.
The move follows sensational developments in the multi-agency probe into the Delhi blast: authorities recovered large quantities of explosive-making material during raids linked to suspects based in Faridabad, prompting nationwide follow-ups and coordinated operations. Jammu & Kashmir Police and UP ATS teams have already conducted joint searches in Lucknow after the arrest of a Lucknow-based doctor in Faridabad; those raids included premises in Kandhari Bazaar and other neighbourhoods.
Lucknow Police have asked local station houses on the city’s borders to share information immediately about any suspicious outsiders attempting to enter the city and to alert intelligence teams about any unusual activity. Special teams led by the Joint Commissioner (Law & Order) have been formed to comb neighbourhoods, with Thakurganj and Saadatganj police specifically assigned to compile ground-level intelligence on several persons of interest said to be linked to the city’s west zone. Any person found to have suspicious links will be taken into custody for questioning, officials said.
Officials emphasised the probe is preventive in nature and relies on co-operation between ATS, local intelligence and district police. Authorities said they are cross-checking CCTV footage, phone records and travel logs and are liaising with central agencies as the multi-agency investigation continues. Senior officers warned that anyone found with links to the recent terror module or to explosive supplies will face strict legal action.
What police are doing (summary):
- 24-hour surveillance on 18 named persons of interest; ground teams compiling travel and social contacts.
- Detailed checks on banking, mobile and internet activity; CCTV and travel histories being analysed.
- Three or more dedicated teams conducting raids and follow-ups; LIU/ATS support deployed.
- Border/checkpost police ordered to immediately report suspicious arrivals into the city.
Authorities asked residents to remain calm and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or the city control room.
