Ghaziabad Spy Module Busted: Mastermind, 8 Others Held with Pakistan Links

Police in Ghaziabad have arrested eight more individuals in connection with a Pakistan-linked espionage case, taking the total number of arrested accused to 22.

Officials say the crackdown has exposed a well-organised network allegedly connected to handlers across the border. Among those recently held is Naushad Ali alias Lalu, who investigators describe as a key figure in the module. He was detained from Faridabad, where he had been working at a petrol pump. Originally from Muzaffarpur, Naushad is believed to have played a central role in recruiting individuals with technical skills, including mobile repair, computer operations, and CCTV handling.

Police said the accused were brought into the network through local contacts and later positioned in strategic locations. Earlier, on March 14, authorities had arrested six suspects, including Sohail Malik from Meerut and a woman identified as Mahek alias Sane Iram. Both are alleged to have been involved in recruiting operatives and facilitating payments.

According to investigators, the group targeted economically vulnerable युवाओं, offering money in exchange for sensitive information. Social media platforms were used to identify potential recruits, particularly those with technical know-how. Women were also inducted into the network to avoid suspicion.

The probe has revealed that the accused allegedly shared photos and videos of sensitive locations—such as railway stations and security installations—via messaging platforms with handlers linked to Inter-Services Intelligence. Payments reportedly ranged from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000 per image, with higher रकम for video footage.

Officials further said the group had installed CCTV cameras at key locations, including Delhi Cantonment Railway Station and Sonipat Railway Station, allegedly enabling remote access to live feeds. These installations were aimed at tracking troop movement and other sensitive activities.

Investigators believe the network planned to expand its surveillance footprint by installing dozens of such cameras along routes stretching towards Jammu and Kashmir. Several devices have been recovered and sent for forensic analysis, while mobile phones seized from the accused are also being examined.

The Case first surfaced after a local constable reported suspicious activity, triggering an investigation that uncovered the broader espionage network. Police say further arrests and disclosures are likely as the probe continues.