Espionage-ExposedUP-ATS-Busts-ISI-Spy-Network-Smuggling-Secrets-and-GoodsUP ATS arrests suspected ISI agent Shahzad for spying and smuggling across the India-Pakistan border

 

In a breakthrough in increased monitoring following Operation Sindoor, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has taken another man into custody. He is believed to be working as a spy for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He is also accused of heading a smuggling and espionage ring along the India-Pakistan border.

The suspect, Shahzad, who hails from Suar Tanda in Rampur district, was arrested in Moradabad on Sunday. His arrest comes after a tip that he was engaged in cross-border smuggling operations and was in close contact with Pakistani intelligence handlers, sharing sensitive national security details.

 

Years of Cross-Border Movement and Espionage

 

Police sources claim that Shahzad had been secretly commuting between India and Pakistan for years. He was using the cover of operating a textile business. He was bringing cosmetics, unstitched fabric, spices, and other items from Lahore, according to reports. His wife, Razia, also testified to these regular visits, attributing them to business. 

But ATS officials maintain that on these trips, Shahzad was in regular touch with ISI operators and provided classified information about Indian security establishments. An FIR has also been lodged in Lucknow under charges of acts jeopardizing India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity.

 

Recruitment and Expansion of Network in UP

 

Investigations revealed that Shahzad was not only acting as a courier of intelligence but was also tasked with expanding ISI’s network within India. Police sources claim that he recruited over 20 individuals, including three women from Sambhal, Moradabad, and Rampur, to support the ISI’s espionage efforts. The ATS is currently conducting searches to trace these women and dismantle the module.

Shahzad reportedly facilitated the travel of several Indian nationals to Pakistan on the guise of business visits. The visits, allegedly arranged with help from ISI operatives, were meant to indoctrinate and train people for secret operations in India.

 

Financial Links and SIM Card Distribution

 

The investigation also unearthed that Shahzad had sent funds to ISI-associated agents working within India. He is also charged with selling Indian SIM cards to Pakistani agents, who used them to carry out surveillance and intelligence gathering on Indian territory without detection.

 

Denial by Family

 

In his defense, Shahzad’s wife said he was being framed. She said he was an illiterate man who only owned a local garment shop and had nothing to do with intelligence agencies.

 

Earlier Arrest in Parallel Case

 

The arrest follows the Haryana Police’s recent detention of travel blogger Jyoti Rani on parallel espionage charges for allegedly sharing sensitive information with an official at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi.

The ATS is also continuing to probe Shahzad’s network, with more arrests imminent within a few days.