Two Arrested by UP ATS for Allegedly Spying for Pakistan, Including Associate of Expelled High Commission Official
Lucknow/Varanasi – In a significant development concerning national security, the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of the Uttar Pradesh Police has arrested two individuals on charges of espionage and sharing sensitive information with Pakistan.
The two accused have been identified as Mohammad Haroon and Tufail, both of whom are suspected of being involved in gathering and transmitting information that could compromise India’s internal security and strategic interests.
One Accused Closely Linked to Expelled Pakistan High Commission Official
Among the two arrested, Mohammad Haroon is reported to be a close associate of Mohammad Muzammil Hussain, a former staffer at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. Muzammil Hussain was recently expelled from India after being declared persona non grata by the Indian government due to his involvement in activities inconsistent with his diplomatic status, specifically, alleged acts of espionage.
Haroon, who was in regular contact with Muzammil Hussain, is accused of transmitting classified and sensitive information about India’s internal matters to the Pakistani operative.
This information, according to authorities, posed a direct threat to national security. Details regarding the nature and specifics of the shared intelligence have not been publicly disclosed, given the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation.
Second Arrest from Varanasi: Suspect in Contact with Hundreds of Pakistani Nationals
The second suspect, Tufail, was arrested in a coordinated operation conducted in Varanasi. According to the ATS, he was actively involved in a network of individuals engaged in spying and propaganda activities, and had established contact with more than 600 individuals based in Pakistan through various social media and messaging platforms.
Tufail is believed to have shared photographs and videos of strategically and culturally significant locations in India with his Pakistani contacts. The sites allegedly photographed and sent across the border include:
- Rajghat
- Namo Ghat
- Gyanvapi Mosque area
- Varanasi Railway Station
- The Red Fort in Delhi
These locations hold both symbolic and logistical significance, and the sharing of their images with foreign entities raises concerns about potential reconnaissance for subversive activities.
Alleged Connections to Extremist Groups and Propaganda
Further investigations into Tufail’s digital footprint revealed that he had also shared several links to Pakistani WhatsApp groups with Indian users, effectively attempting to facilitate direct communication between people in India and those across the border.
This potentially created a pipeline for the spread of extremist ideologies and recruitment for anti-national activities.
One of the individuals he was reportedly in contact with was identified as Nafisa, whose husband is said to be an active member of the Pakistan Army, further underlining the high-level nature of the contacts involved.
In addition, Tufail has been accused of circulating propaganda materials in the form of videos of Maulana Shad Rizvi, a radical cleric associated with the banned terrorist outfit Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
These videos were reportedly distributed within multiple WhatsApp groups with inflammatory messages calling for:
- Revenge for the demolition of the Babri Masjid
- Implementation of Sharia law in India
These actions, police say, were aimed at inciting communal unrest and radicalizing individuals within India.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation Ongoing
Both accused have been taken into custody and are being interrogated further by the ATS and intelligence agencies. Authorities are now working to uncover the full extent of the espionage network, including identifying additional individuals in India who may be connected to the racket.
The confiscation and forensic analysis of mobile phones, electronic devices, and social media communication are part of the ongoing probe.
The arrests have brought to light the continuing threat of foreign-sponsored espionage and ideological infiltration, especially through digital means and social media platforms.
Security agencies have reiterated the need for heightened vigilance and public awareness to prevent sensitive information from falling into the hands of hostile entities.
A senior official from the ATS, while addressing the media, emphasized the seriousness of the matter, stating that “such acts are not merely criminal but have far-reaching implications for national sovereignty and public safety.”
Further details regarding the legal charges under specific sections of the Official Secrets Act, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and other applicable laws are expected to be shared as the investigation progresses.
