Lucknow terror alert: Day before final phase of UP polls, ATS corners top terrorist

An anti-terror operation was launched in Thakurganj area of Lucknow after the Anti-terror squad (ATS team) got reports of a top terrorist, identified as Saifullah, hiding in a house on Tuesday. Saifullah was killed in the operation, Uttar Pradesh police confirmed even though they were trying to arrest the 'alleged extremist'. The IG of Uttar Pradesh ATS is supervising the operations. According to CNN-News18, civilians in the area have been asked to stay indoors with the whole area being cordoned off by security forces.Suspected terrorist holed up by UP ATS in Thakurganj area of Lucknow. Operation in progress. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/1SlD0Kp7az— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 7, 2017 According to The Indian Express, the  suspected terrorist opened fired at security forces on Tuesday afternoon starting an encounter. The security personnel have reached out to the suspect asking him to surrender, but he has reportedly declined. The security personnel are trying to ascertain the amount and kind of weapons the suspect possesses before planning their next move. The other option the police has is to storm the house and neutralise the suspect. A high-level meeting between government and police officials is underway before any step is taken.[caption id="attachment_3290034" align="alignleft" width="380"]

Representational image. AFP[/caption]NDTV reports said that central intelligence agencies alerted the state police about the alleged terrorist's location, along with information of possible connection to this morning's train explosion in Madhya Pradesh in which nine people were reported injured.According to India Today, Additional Director General of Uttar Pradesh, Daljeet Choudhary said there is a possibility of more than one terrorist being holed up in the house. The ATS team is using tear gas to flush him out from the house. "We are trying to ensure that he is arrested alive and there is no collateral damage as this is a residential area," said another official.According to IANS at the spot, there is gunfire going on with both parties exchanging fire. However, there are no reports of anyone being injured.With inputs from IANS