Kolkata
NIA arrests Kolkata man for spying for Pakistan intelligence network
Kolkata/IBNS: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a Kolkata resident accused of passing confidential security-related information to Pakistani intelligence operatives as part of an alleged anti-India espionage and terror conspiracy.
The agency identified the accused as Zafar Riaz, also known as Rizvi.
According to the NIA, Zafar Riaz had been under investigation, and a Look Out Circular (LOC) had already been issued against him before his arrest.
The agency said legal proceedings were also underway to declare him a Proclaimed Offender when he was taken into custody.
He has been booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Official Secrets Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Investigators said the accused had travelled frequently between India and Pakistan since 2005.
During one of these visits, he was allegedly approached and recruited by Pakistani Intelligence Officers (PIOs) to conduct espionage activities in India in exchange for financial benefits and promises of Pakistani citizenship.
The NIA stated that the accused was married to a Pakistani national and that his children are Pakistani citizens.
The agency said Zafar Riaz had previously been convicted in an espionage-related case under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Official Secrets Act.
According to investigators, he continued to remain in contact with Pakistani operatives despite earlier legal action.
The NIA alleged that the accused provided One-Time Passwords linked to Indian mobile numbers to Pakistani intelligence operatives.
The agency claimed the OTPs were used to activate WhatsApp accounts for covert communication purposes.
Investigators further alleged that these accounts were used to communicate secretly with another accused, Motiram Jat, who was also allegedly involved in sharing sensitive security information with Pakistani handlers.
The NIA said investigations are continuing to identify other individuals connected to the alleged espionage network and uncover the wider conspiracy behind the operation.
The agency is also examining possible links between the accused and other operatives engaged in anti-India activities.
The arrest comes amid an intensified crackdown on illegal and criminal activities in West Bengal following the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state after the Assembly elections.
Law enforcement agencies have recently increased action against individuals accused of involvement in unlawful and anti-national activities across the state.
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