Uttar Pradesh’s 8-Year Crackdown on Terror: 142 Sleeper Cells Busted, 230 Hardcore Criminals Neutralised
By Special Correspondent | Lucknow | May 13, 2025
In a comprehensive counterterrorism and crime-control drive over the last eight years, the Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh has dismantled 142 terrorist sleeper cells and neutralised 230 hardened criminals, according to an official statement released on Monday.
The government claims that under the “zero tolerance” policy adopted by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in 2017, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has been aggressively pursuing not only criminal elements but also the hidden networks supporting terrorism, fake documentation rackets, religious extremism, and illegal immigration.
The announcement comes amid ongoing nationwide counterterrorism operations dubbed Operation Sindoor, which targets domestic and cross-border terror networks.
Direct Action Against Terror Support Networks
According to official figures, out of the 142 arrested sleeper cell associates, 131 were found aiding terrorist operatives by providing them shelter and confidential information. One active terrorist was reportedly killed in an encounter. The ATS also arrested 11 individuals involved in financing terrorism.
The statement highlighted the government’s focus on dismantling support networks affiliated with international and domestic groups such as ISIS, Naxalite factions, and the banned Popular Front of India (PFI).
Crackdown on Counterfeit Currency and Communal Incitement
Uttar Pradesh ATS also reported seizing fake Indian currency worth Rs 47.03 lakh and arresting 41 individuals involved in the circulation of counterfeit notes. Furthermore, legal action was taken against individuals attempting to incite communal unrest in Ayodhya over the Ram Temple construction; one arrest was made in connection with these incidents.
Monitoring Infiltration and Religious Conversion Rackets
In its broader national security scope, the state ATS claimed to have arrested 173 illegal immigrants — including Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals — who were allegedly residing in India without proper documentation and posed a threat to internal security.
The government has also intensified its crackdown on what it refers to as “religious conversion syndicates,” arresting over 20 people allegedly involved in organized and coerced conversions. Additionally, a cyber fraud ring was busted, resulting in 19 arrests — including four Chinese nationals — linked to financial scams targeting Indian citizens.
‘Operation Sindoor’ and the Broader Message
The statement underscores a broader narrative propagated by the Uttar Pradesh government — that of a tough, proactive state apparatus capable of not just managing law and order but targeting the roots of terrorism and illegal activities.
While the figures are substantial, critics may demand independent verification and a closer look at due process in some of the high-profile encounters and arrests. Nonetheless, the government appears to be positioning its law-and-order track record as a pillar of its political identity, especially ahead of future elections.
The multi-pronged offensive — from targeting sleeper cells and fake currency to religious extremism and foreign infiltration — appears aimed at projecting Uttar Pradesh as a frontline state in India’s internal security architecture.
