NIA arrests Kolkata resident for spying for Pakistan
What's the story
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a Kolkata-based man, Zafar Riaz alias Rizvi, for allegedly spying for Pakistani intelligence officers. The arrest was made on Wednesday as part of an anti-India terror conspiracy. The accused has been charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Official Secrets Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Espionage details
Riaz was to be declared a 'proclaimed offender'
The NIA has not disclosed the exact location of Riaz's arrest. However, it was revealed that a lookout circular had been issued against him and proceedings were underway to declare him a proclaimed offender before his arrest. Investigators claim Riaz frequently traveled between India and Pakistan since 2005. During one of his visits, he was allegedly recruited by Pakistani intelligence operatives.
Family connections
Riaz married to a Pakistani national
The NIA also revealed that Riaz is married to a Pakistani national and his children are Pakistani citizens. He was allegedly promised financial benefits and Pakistani citizenship in return for his espionage activities in India. The agency further claimed that Riaz facilitated espionage by sharing One-Time Passwords (OTPs) linked to Indian telecom mobile numbers with a PIO to activate WhatsApp accounts.
Investigation progress
NIA on lookout for other accused in case
These accounts were allegedly used by the PIO to communicate secretly with Motiram Jat, another accused in the case. The NIA said investigations are on to identify other individuals linked to this espionage racket and uncover the larger conspiracy behind it. This arrest comes amid wider crackdowns by the agency across states including West Bengal, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to dismantle alleged cross-border intelligence networks.