New Delhi: A major espionage network with links to Pakistan has been uncovered in India, with at least 22 people arrested in Uttar Pradesh as part of an ongoing investigation into activities that posed a serious threat to national security.
The case came to light earlier this month in Ghaziabad when police noticed suspicious movements by a group of young men. What first appeared to be a minor issue soon developed into a large and organised spying operation involving several states.
According to investigators, the accused were collecting sensitive information from important locations such as railway stations and areas near military establishments. They recorded videos, took photographs and tracked movement in these places before sending the data to handlers based in Pakistan.
Police said the network operated in a structured manner. Members were recruited through social media platforms and messaging apps. Many of them were given small payments for each task, making it easier for handlers to attract people in need of money.
One of the most worrying findings was the use of solar powered CCTV cameras placed at key locations. Some of these cameras had already been installed along railway routes, including areas near Delhi. Officials believe these devices were meant to provide live updates on military movement and transport systems.
Investigators also found that the group planned to expand this surveillance to many more locations across the country. This has raised concerns that the operation may have been part of preparations for a possible future attack.
The probe revealed that the network targeted young people with technical skills such as mobile repair workers and CCTV installers. In some cases, women and minors were also used to avoid suspicion. A few members had even travelled to sensitive regions to gather more information.
Alongside the spying activities, police uncovered a separate system involving illegal SIM cards and sharing of one time passwords. These were used to create accounts and communicate securely with foreign handlers.
Officials said hundreds of digital files linked to Pakistan have already been identified. More arrests have been made in different parts of the country, indicating that the network was wider than initially thought.
National security agencies have now joined the investigation, and further action is expected as authorities work to trace all those involved.
The case has highlighted how modern technology and online platforms are being used in new ways for espionage, making detection more challenging for authorities.