Pak-linked spy network busted, 22 arrested in UP
A suspected Pakistan-linked espionage and survey network, believed to be preparing for possible terror strikes, has been busted in Uttar Pradesh, with at least 22 people arrested so far, police said. The case began with a routine intelligence input at Kaushambi police station in Ghaziabad on March 14.
Initially, it appeared to be suspicious activity by a group of youths, but soon unfolded into a coordinated operation with links across States and handlers based in Pakistan. Investigators found that the accused were filming sensitive locations, including railway stations and military installations, and sending the material abroad. Police said the network operated on a payment-based model, where recruits were paid between Rs 5,000 and Rs 20,000 per assignment and encouraged to bring in more members. In the first phase, six accused: five men and a woman were arrested.
Data recovered from their mobile phones revealed videos, photographs, location tags, and details of restricted areas. Officials said the nature of the material indicated a structured survey operation rather than isolated acts.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed, comprising personnel from Indirapuram Police, Crime Branch, cyber units, intelligence, and SWAT. During interrogation, the SIT identified three key handlers operating from Pakistan: Suhail Malik, Naushad Ali, and Sameer alias Shooter.
Police said recruitment was carried out through social media and encrypted messaging platforms. Recruits were given specific instructions on what to film, from railway corridors to military perimeters, and how to capture and transmit the data.
Four of the initially arrested accused had travelled to Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, where they allegedly conducted reconnaissance and shared inputs with handlers. Investigators now believe the network was involved in pre-attack surveillance for a potential large-scale strike in the region.
The probe also uncovered plans to install solar-powered CCTV cameras along the Delhi-Jammu railway route to enable live monitoring of troop movement. Cameras installed at Delhi Cantonment and Sonipat are being examined by forensic teams. Officials said the network aimed to expand surveillance to nearly 50 locations across the country.
Police said the group used a foreign-controlled mobile application to transmit photos, videos, and GPS coordinates. Over 450 digital files linked to Pakistan have been traced so far.
Recruitment focused on individuals with technical skills, including those working in mobile repair, CCTV installation, and basic networking. Economically vulnerable youths, along with women and minors, were also used to avoid suspicion. One of the key recruiters has been identified as Iram, alias Mahak.
In a parallel probe, investigators uncovered an OTP and SIM supply racket linked to the network. The accused allegedly forwarded Indian OTPs to foreign handlers, enabling them to operate social media accounts using Indian numbers. Payments ranged from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000.
