UP: Man Arrested In Varanasi For Allegedly Spying For Pakistan

The Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) of the Uttar Pradesh Police has apprehended a man named Tufail from Varanasi on suspicion of spying for Pakistan.

He stands accused of transmitting sensitive information concerning India's internal security to Pakistani operatives.

Photo Credit: Pexels

According to a statement issued by the UP ATS, Tufail allegedly circulated videos of Maulana Shah Rizvi - the leader of the proscribed Pakistani terrorist outfit Tehreek-e-Labbaik - via WhatsApp groups.

These were accompanied by provocative messages advocating for 'Ghazwa-e-Hind', retribution for the Babri Masjid demolition, and the imposition of Sharia law in India.

Investigations revealed that Tufail had purportedly shared photographs of key sensitive sites, including Rajghat, Namo Ghat, Gyanvapi, the local railway station, and the Red Fort, with his contacts in Pakistan.

The ATS also claimed that he disseminated WhatsApp group links within Varanasi to facilitate communication between local individuals and Pakistani networks.

Man Arrested in Moradabad

In a separate incident, the Uttar Pradesh ATS on Sunday arrested an individual suspected of conducting espionage on behalf of Pakistan's intelligence agency and engaging in cross-border smuggling operations.

Acting on a tip-off, police learned of a person operating along the India-Pakistan border who was reportedly involved in smuggling with the backing of a Pakistani agency.

The informant further alleged that the suspect was spying for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and partaking in anti-national activities.

The ATS traced and identified the suspect as Shehzad, a resident of the Tanda area in Rampur district. He was arrested in Moradabad on Sunday, the ATS confirmed in a statement.

Following the collection of incriminating evidence, a case was filed against Shehzad at the ATS police station, invoking charges related to endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India, among other serious offences.

Further investigations revealed that Shehzad allegedly distributed funds to agents within India at the behest of the ISI.

He also reportedly recruited individuals from Rampur and other areas of Uttar Pradesh, falsely assuring them that their travel to Pakistan was for smuggling purposes, whereas they were actually intended to assist the ISI.

Authorities stated that ISI handlers facilitated the visas and travel documentation for these recruits.

Additionally, Shehzad is believed to have supplied Indian SIM cards to these operatives to support espionage activities within the country.