UP ATS Arrests Rampur Man for Alleged Links to Pakistan’s ISI; Accused of Espionage and Funding Local Operatives

In a significant counter-intelligence operation, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested a man from Rampur on Sunday (May 18) for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and engaging in illegal cross-border trade.

According to a report by The Indian Express, the arrest followed a tip-off about suspicious activities at the India-Pakistan border. The informant claimed that the suspect was involved in smuggling goods with support from Pakistani handlers and was passing sensitive information to the ISI.

The accused, identified as Shehzad from the Tanda area of Rampur district, was apprehended in Moradabad by ATS officials. The UP ATS stated that Shehzad had long been under surveillance and was arrested after concrete evidence was gathered against him.

Authorities alleged that Shehzad had been making clandestine trips between India and Pakistan over the years, during which he smuggled items such as cosmetics, clothing, spices, and other goods. These operations reportedly served as a cover for espionage activities, allowing him to maintain direct contact with ISI operatives and relay classified information related to India’s national security.

Further investigations revealed that Shehzad also played a key role in financing other operatives within India, allegedly on instructions from the ISI. He is suspected of recruiting individuals from Rampur and other parts of Uttar Pradesh under the pretense of smuggling jobs, ultimately facilitating their links with Pakistan’s intelligence network.

Police claim Shehzad was instrumental in arranging visas and travel documents for ISI agents and allegedly supplied them with Indian SIM cards to aid their spying activities within the country.

A case has been registered against Shehzad under sections pertaining to threats against India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities probing deeper into the network and possible additional operatives.