Uttar Pradesh ATS Arrests Man for Espionage Activities
Lucknow: The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh has taken a significant step in their ongoing fight against espionage. On Thursday, they arrested a 45-year-old man from Varanasi, identified as Tufail Alam, who is accused of being linked to a Pakistan-based network engaged in espionage that threatens India’s national security.
Tufail, a resident of Doshipura in Varanasi, was apprehended in the Adampur area of the city. According to ATS officials, he had joined multiple WhatsApp groups operated by a Pakistan-backed entity and was allegedly transmitting sensitive information regarding India’s internal security to contacts in Pakistan.
Investigations revealed that Tufail was in communication with several individuals from Pakistan, including members of the banned terrorist group Tehreek-e-Labbaik. He reportedly shared inflammatory content, such as videos and messages that promoted divisive ideologies, including calls for revenge related to the Babri Masjid issue.
Authorities have also uncovered that Tufail shared images and information about key locations in India, including Raj Ghat, Gyanvapi, and the Red Fort, with Pakistani phone numbers. He allegedly distributed links to these WhatsApp groups to other individuals in Varanasi and maintained contact with over 600 phone numbers based in Pakistan. Notably, he was in contact with a woman named Nafisa from Faisalabad, who is said to have connections to the Pakistani military.
As a result of these incriminating findings, the ATS has registered a First Information Report (FIR) under relevant sections of the law. Tufail is scheduled to appear before a court for further legal proceedings.
