Six Arrested in Ghaziabad on Suspicion of Spying for Pakistan

Uttarpradesh: Six individuals arrested in Ghaziabad on suspicion of spying for Pakistan were allegedly sharing videos and location details of sensitive military installations not only with handlers in Pakistan but also with contacts linked to phone numbers in the United Kingdom and Malaysia, according to police officials.

Investigators said the group had installed solar-powered surveillance cameras at two locations in Delhi to monitor strategic areas. One of the cameras has been recovered by police. The suspects reportedly referred to their Pakistan-based handler by the codename “Sardar.”

Officers from Kaushambi police station in Ghaziabad arrested six individuals on Saturday: Suhail Malik, also known as Romeo, from Meerut’s Partapur area; Sane Iram alias Mehak from Gyanpar Sisauna village in Sambhal district; and three residents of Bhovapur — Praveen, Raj Valmiki, Shiva Valmiki, and Ritik Gangwar.

During the investigation, police recovered mobile phones containing more than 50 videos of sensitive locations in Delhi, including offices and facilities linked to the Indian Army, Border Security Force, and Central Reserve Police Force.

According to police sources, the handler known as “Sardar,” believed to be operating from Pakistan, would instruct the group to record specific locations and share the footage along with precise location details. In return, the operatives were reportedly paid up to ₹8,000 per video.

Investigators said Suhail recruited Raj Valmiki into the network after establishing contact with the handler. Raj was allegedly tasked with installing surveillance cameras in Delhi. Sources indicated that one such camera was placed near Delhi Cantonment Railway Station and another close to a nearby army cantonment area. Authorities said access to the camera feeds had been shared with a foreign-based contact, although officials have yet to formally confirm this.

Suspicion about the group reportedly arose after Raj Valmiki, who previously operated a food stall, suddenly shut down his business and purchased an expensive smartphone. The unusual change in circumstances sparked discussions among other vendors in the area. When police received information that Raj and his associates were filming locations in Delhi, he was taken into custody for questioning.

During initial interrogation, Raj allegedly attempted to mislead investigators. However, as questioning continued, further details about the network and its operations began to emerge.

Police said the handler “Sardar” would communicate with the group through Sane Iram alias Mehak, who helped recruit new members and maintain contact between the operatives and the foreign handler. Acting on his instructions, the group installed the solar-powered cameras in Delhi to enable continuous remote surveillance.

Authorities also recovered several international phone numbers from the suspects’ mobile devices, including those linked to the United Kingdom and Malaysia. Investigators believe that photos and videos captured by the group were sent to these numbers before being deleted shortly afterward to avoid detection.

Police further revealed that payments to operatives were made indirectly. Instead of using his own bank account or UPI, Suhail allegedly arranged payments through acquaintances or friends, who would transfer the money electronically before being reimbursed in cash.

Law enforcement agencies have initiated the process of freezing the bank accounts of all the accused. Investigators are also tracing accounts that received or transferred funds connected to the operation, and the holders of those accounts are being identified as part of the ongoing probe.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Abhishek Srivastava of Indirapuram stated that the case is being investigated thoroughly. Authorities plan to seek police remand of the accused for further interrogation as they continue to examine financial transactions and potential links to a wider espionage network.