A man allegedly involved in espionage for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has been arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), officials said. The accused, identified as Shehzad and a resident of Rampur district, was taken into custody from Moradabad on Saturday.
Shehzad was held amid a nationwide crackdown on individuals allegedly spying for Pakistani intelligence agencies, a sweep that has already led to the arrest of several people, including social media influencers and YouTubers.
According to a press release issued by the ATS, Shehzad had been under surveillance following credible intelligence inputs suggesting his involvement in smuggling across the India-Pakistan border under the protection of Islamabad's intelligence establishment.
Investigations revealed that he had travelled to Pakistan multiple times and was engaged in illegal cross-border trade of cosmetics, clothing, spices, and other goods. The smuggling racket allegedly served as a front for his espionage activities, police said.
Shehzad is also accused of establishing close contact with multiple ISI operatives and supplying them with sensitive and confidential information related to India's national security. Officials said the accused was not only passing on intelligence but also facilitating operations for the ISI within India.
A further probe uncovered that, acting on ISI instructions, Shehzad had transferred funds to Pakistani agents operating in India. He also allegedly helped send people from Rampur and other parts of Uttar Pradesh to Pakistan under the pretext of smuggling, with the intent of recruiting them for ISI-linked activities.
According to police, the visa and travel documents for these individuals were reportedly arranged with the help of ISI operatives.
Shehzad is also said to have procured and delivered Indian SIM cards to ISI agents, potentially aiding communication for subversive purposes.
A case has been registered against Shehzad under Sections 148 and 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at the ATS police station in Lucknow. The accused has been produced before a magistrate and further legal proceedings are underway.
Source: India Today