Lucknow: The UP ATS is investigating a ₹5,000 bank transfer made to arrested terror suspect Shahroz Ahmad from an account in Haryana, as it deepens its probe into an alleged Pakistan-backed sleeper cell network operating across multiple states.Shahroz Ahmad (29), a Class VII dropout and embroidery worker from Jamdhara village in Balrampur district, was arrested on July 20 for allegedly working at the behest of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) through Pakistan-based handlers. The ATS has accused him of attempting to build sleeper cells and planning a terror strike in India.According to the ATS, during interrogation Shahroz disclosed that in October 2025 he came into contact with one Jasveer Chaudhary after responding to a Facebook post seeking “brave shooters.” Investigators said Shahroz commented that “no one would be braver than me,” after which the two began communicating through Facebook Messenger before shifting to encrypted messaging applications, including Signal.The agency said Jasveer allegedly tasked Shahroz with recruiting other “fearless” youths for the network and later instructed him to travel to Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan to collect weapons and explosives before awaiting further directions to execute a terrorist attack.A key focus of the investigation is a ₹5,000 transfer made to Shahroz’s bank account from an account in Haryana. ATS officials are tracing the source of the transaction, its purpose and the identity of those behind it, suspecting it may have been intended to facilitate the planned anti-national activities.Investigators said Shahroz had been working in Mumbai and returned to his native village only two days before his arrest, allegedly on the instructions of his Pakistan-based handler.The ATS said digital evidence recovered from Shahroz’s electronic devices supports the investigation. Officials claim the network deliberately relied on encrypted platforms such as Signal to evade surveillance by security agencies.The agency is continuing to examine Shahroz’s financial transactions, digital communications and interstate contacts to identify other members of the alleged network and determine whether a broader conspiracy was in progress. Shahroz has been produced before the competent court, and further legal proceedings are underway.
