NIA to probe Lucknow terror operation: Rajnath

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said the National Investigation Agency (NIA) will probe the Lucknow terror operation.

Singh applauded the father of terror suspect Saifullah, for refusing to accept a 'traitor's' body.

"The government is proud of Mohammed Sartaj (Saifullah's father) and I am sure the entire House will be proud as he refused to take his body saying he betrayed his country," he said while addressing the second leg of the Budget Session.

Earlier on Wednesday, the father of Saifullah, Sartaj refused to accept his son's body saying "a traitor" is no son of theirs.

"A traitor can't be our son. We are Indians, we were born here, our forefathers were born here. One who indulges in anti-national activities can't be our son... we won't accept his body," Sartaj said.

Saifullah was killed by commandos in a house on the outskirts of Lucknow yesterday morning after an exchange of fire with the police for about 12 hours.

Uttar Pradesh Police (ADG UP) Daljeet Chaudhary said the youth was self-radicalised and was influenced by 'literature'.

"These days, people self-radicalise themselves. They read their literature and come under its influence. Also, they follow social media for the same," Chaudhary told the media.

The police recovered eight pistols, three passports, more than 600 cartridges, bomb-making instruments, timers, wires, compass etc.