Kolkata, May 21: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested an individual linked to a Pakistan-backed espionage network. According to the agency, the suspect was allegedly providing confidential security-related information to Pakistani intelligence officials as part of an anti-India terrorist conspiracy.
The arrested individual has been identified as Zafar Riaz, also known as Rizvi, a resident of Kolkata. He was already under a lookout circular, and the process to declare him a proclaimed offender was underway.
The NIA stated that the suspect was arrested under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Official Secrets Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Reports indicate that Zafar is married to a Pakistani national, and their children also hold Pakistani citizenship. The agency noted that he had previously been convicted in a spying-related case under the IPC and the Official Secrets Act.
According to the investigation agency, Zafar has been traveling between India and Pakistan since 2005. During these visits, he allegedly came into contact with Pakistani intelligence officials, who reportedly lured him into espionage activities in India with promises of money and Pakistani citizenship.
The NIA revealed that the suspect facilitated other espionage and terrorist activities by providing Indian mobile numbers’ one-time passwords (OTPs) to Pakistani intelligence officials, enabling the activation of WhatsApp accounts.
These WhatsApp accounts were reportedly used by Pakistani intelligence officials to maintain covert communication with another accused, Motiram Jat, who was also involved in transmitting sensitive security information to Pakistan.
The NIA has stated that the investigation is ongoing to uncover other individuals connected to this espionage network and the broader conspiracy.
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