Spy linked to Pakistan’s ISI nabbed by UP ATS for espionage and smuggling

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a man identified as Shahzad, a resident of Rampur, on charges of spying for Pakistan’s intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The arrest was made in Moradabad following an investigation into Shahzad’s involvement in cross-border smuggling and anti-national activities.

According to ATS officials, Shahzad—son of Abdul Wahab and a resident of House No. 135, Mohalla Azad Nagar, Tanda, District Rampur—had been frequently traveling to Pakistan over the past several years. Under the pretense of smuggling goods such as cosmetics, clothes, spices, and other items between India and Pakistan, he was allegedly operating as a spy for the ISI.

Shahzad maintained close and constant communication with ISI agents and is accused of sharing sensitive and confidential information related to India’s national security.

“Shahzad has good relations with the agents of ISI, with whom he was in constant touch. Shahzad has shared confidential information related to India’s security with the agents of ISI,” the ATS said in a statement.

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“On confirmation of this information, FIR was registered under sections 148 and 152 at ATS, Lucknow. Shahzad was arrested today (May 19) by UP ATS from Moradabad, who is being presented before the court as per rules, and further legal action is being taken,” ATS added.

He also reportedly facilitated the funding of ISI-linked operatives within India and assisted in sending individuals from Rampur and other parts of Uttar Pradesh to Pakistan under the guise of trade, with the intention of recruiting them for espionage.

“He also used to send people from many parts of Rampur district and Uttar Pradesh to Pakistan to work for ISI under the guise of smuggling. The ISI also arranged the visas of these people. Shahzad had also provided Indian SIMs to the ISI agents to spy against India,” the statement stated.

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Further investigations revealed that Pakistani intelligence agents arranged visas and travel documents for these individuals, while Shahzad provided Indian SIM cards to ISI operatives to support their covert activities.

Following confirmation of his espionage and anti-national activities, a case (Case No. 04/25) was registered at the ATS Police Station in Lucknow under Sections 148 and 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Shahzad was taken into custody in Moradabad and is currently being interrogated by the ATS.

Earlier in Haryana, several individuals were arrested for alleged espionage activities in favour of Pakistan, according to Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapoor. He said the crackdown was the result of increased vigilance and surveillance across the state.

Speaking at a press conference, Kapoor said the arrests were made in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, with anti-national elements apprehended in various districts of Haryana.

He said the arrests were based on input from central and state intelligence agencies, adding, “After Operation Sindoor, we had increased vigilance, and under that, based on information received from our central agencies and state intelligence agencies, anti-national elements were caught in some districts. Cases have been registered against them, and they have been arrested and sent to jail.”