Uttar Pradesh Anti–Terrorist Squad

Uttar Pradesh AntiTerrorist Squad (UP ATS) is a specialised anti-terrorism unit of the Uttar Pradesh Police, established on 7 August 2007, headquarters in Lucknow with the objective of preventing terrorist activities in the state, investigating terrorism-related crimes and countering activities against national security.

History The Uttar Pradesh government established the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) in November 2007 to address the growing terrorist activities and national security challenges in the state. It was formed as a specialised unit of the Uttar Pradesh Police, tasked with gathering intelligence related to terrorist organisations and anti-national elements, preventing terrorism-related crimes, and conducting operations as needed.

It was shifted to a new headquarters in Anaura, Lucknow on 19 November 2016. Given the state's vast borders and the challenges posed by terrorism and Naxalism, in 2017 the Uttar Pradesh government established the Special Police Operations Team (SPOT) within the ATS, equipped with specialised training, modern weapons, and advanced technology.

The unit gathers intelligence, conducts operations and coordinates with other central and state security agencies in cases related to terrorism,extremism, radicalisation, espionage, terror financing and other anti-national activities. In 2017, the Uttar Pradesh government formed the Special Police Operations Team (SPOT) to strengthen its operational capability.

Organisation The unit is headed by an officer of the rank of Director General of Police. The field units and operations teams are deployed in various districts of the state. Several specialised units have been established at the headquarters to support operational tasks. Given the state's vast borders and challenges such as terrorism and Naxalism, the Special Police Operations Team (SPOT) was formed within the ATS in 2017. SPOT is equipped with specialised training, modern weapons, and advanced technology to ensure swift and effective action in counter-terrorism operations.

Operations The squad investigates and conducts operations related to terrorism, insurgency, espionage, terror financing, and radicalisation in the state. Since its inception, the unit has busted suspected modules linked to various terrorist organisations, arrested several terrorists and their associates, and conducted joint operations with central security agencies. Its major operations include the 2017 Lucknow anti-terrorism operation, investigations into espionage cases linked to the ISI, and actions against modules linked to ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and other banned organisations.

2017 Lucknow Encounter On 7 March 2017, following the Bhopal-Ujjain passenger train bombings in Madhya Pradesh, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) surrounded a house in the Thakurganj area of Lucknow, acting on information from central intelligence agencies. Suspected terrorist Saifullah refused to surrender and opened fire on security forces. He was killed after an hour-long operation. Investigations revealed the module's alleged links to ISIS. This operation is considered one of the UP ATS's earliest major anti-terrorism operations.

2017 ISI Espionage Case In May 2017, the UP ATS, in a joint operation with military intelligence agencies, arrested Aftab Ali from Faizabad (now Ayodhya). According to the agency, he was accused of passing information on Indian Army activities to Pakistan's ISI. Altaf Bhai Qureshi was also arrested in Mumbai in the same case, allegedly for transferring funds through hawala. This case was widely reported as a major counter-espionage operation by the team.

2020 ISI foil According to UP ATS statements, a joint counter-intelligence operation with Military Intelligence led to the arrest of 23-year-old Chandauli resident Mohammed Rashid in January 2020 for alleged espionage on behalf of the ISI. The ATS reported that Rashid transmitted visuals of CRPF camps, military bases, Air Force facilities, and high-profile religious places to Pakistan. Law enforcement agencies further disclosed that Rashid was active in a Pakistan-managed WhatsApp group that comprised 56 other Indian members.

2023 Rohingya operation

In 2023, the squad conducted a six-district operation resulting in the arrest of 74 Rohingya refugees for entering without valid documents from Bangladesh. The state government framed the action as part of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's initiative to monitor undocumented residents. The ATS reported that the arrests occurred in Mathura, Aligarh (17), Hapur (16), Ghaziabad (4), Meerut (4), and Saharanpur (2), involving 55 men, 14 women, and 5 minors. While certain refugees express a desire for repatriation, official reports link specific individuals to militant organizations, including the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).

Investigations

In 2008, officers from the UP ATS along with the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and explosives experts from the National Security Guard (NSG) arrived in Jaipur the morning after the bombings to assist in the investigation. Investigating agencies subsequently began efforts to identify the suspects behind the blasts. They also took over the investigation into the 7 December 2010 Varanasi bombing. The attack, carried out by the Indian Mujahideen at Sheetla Ghat during the evening aarti, targeted crowded banks along the Ganges River, leaving one dead and more than 38 injured.

Campaigns In April 2017, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (UP ATS), led by Inspector General Aseem Arun, launched a de-radicalisation program titled Ghar Wapsi ("Homecoming"). The initiative was introduced following a multi-state operation targeting an ISIS Khorasan-inspired module, during which four suspects were arrested and six others were detained for interrogation. Rather than relying solely on prosecution the program focuses on self-guided or online-indoctrinated youth who have not engaged in violent acts. The UP ATS employs a non-punitive, community-led framework that collaborates with parents, peers, and local religious leaders to counsel candidates.

Training and capabilities Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) personnel are given special training in counter-terrorism operations, hostage rescue, urban warfare, bomb disposal, weapon handling and intelligence analysis. The unit uses modern weapons, surveillance equipment, communication systems and technical resources. The Special Police Operations Team (SPOT), formed in 2017, is equipped with special training and modern equipment for high-risk operations. From time to time, UP ATS also conducts joint training and exercises with other central security agencies.

Uttar Pradesh Anti–Terrorist Squad

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