Ghaziabad: In a major crackdown, security agencies have busted a sophisticated espionage network with the arrest of 18 people who allegedly used digital surveillance tools, including solar-powered cameras, to track Army movements and pass information to handlers abroad.
The network, uncovered by Uttar Pradesh Police, is suspected to have installed surveillance devices in sensitive cantonment areas, railway stations near military zones and prominent religious sites to gather intelligence and transmit it through encrypted channels such as VoIP.
Investigations revealed that the spy ring was controlled by operatives based in Pakistan and other countries, including Dubai, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Nepal and Canada. Key handlers, identified by aliases such as Sarfaraz, Shahzad Bhatti and Waqar alias Vicky Jatt, reportedly coordinated operations using Indian SIM cards and internet-based communication systems.
Authorities said members travelled across several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Delhi and Haryana, carrying out reconnaissance under the guise of religious tourism. Locations such as Haridwar, Rishikesh and Khatu Shyam temple were allegedly used as cover to survey nearby military installations.
Investigators also found that operatives adopted Hindu identities—wearing kalava, rudraksha beads and applying tilak—to avoid suspicion and gain access to crowded or sensitive areas.
The gang allegedly recruited local youths and minors, often misleading them into believing they were working on legitimate projects like CCTV installation. Social media was widely used to lure recruits with fake job offers.
A woman identified as Sane Irm alias Mahak from Sambhal allegedly played a key role in recruiting young women and targeting youths online. Another accused, Meera Thakur alias Meera Prajapati, an e-rickshaw driver from Mathura, is believed to have assisted in reconnaissance and installation of cameras at sensitive locations. The National Investigation Agency is likely to take over her case.
Officials are also probing possible links to identity-based manipulation, including suspected “love jihad” angles, to determine if such tactics were used for recruitment or operational purposes.
So far, those arrested include Suhail Malik alias Romeo, Naushad Ali alias Lalu, Sameer alias Shooter and others, while six minors are also believed to be involved.
Interrogations have indicated links to earlier criminal activities, including reconnaissance ahead of the 2024 firing incident at actor Salman Khan’s residence.
Security agencies have also uncovered indications of plans for a larger operation, with some operatives reportedly being directed to travel to Dubai for further instructions.
Following the revelations, a high alert has been sounded across western Uttar Pradesh and other regions. The Anti-Terrorism Squad, Intelligence Bureau and military intelligence units have launched extensive searches to detect unauthorised surveillance equipment and trace the network.
Further investigation is underway, with more arrests and disclosures expected as agencies work to dismantle the espionage racket. (Agencies)
