Kolkata, 21 May (H.S.): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a Kolkata resident, Zafar Riaz alias Rizvi, for allegedly spying for Pakistani intelligence agencies and sharing sensitive information related to India’s security establishment.

The NIA detained the accused on Wednesday and issued an official statement on Thursday. According to the agency, the arrest was made in connection with an anti-India terror conspiracy case.

The agency said Zafar Riaz had allegedly been passing confidential information to Pakistani intelligence officers. A lookout circular had already been issued against him, and proceedings to declare him a proclaimed offender were also underway.

He has been arrested under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Official Secrets Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

According to investigators, the accused had frequently travelled between India and Pakistan since 2005. During this period, Pakistani intelligence agencies allegedly established contact with him and lured him into espionage activities by offering money and the promise of Pakistani citizenship.

The NIA further stated that Zafar Riaz was married to a Pakistani woman and that his children are Pakistani citizens.

Investigators alleged that he provided Indian mobile numbers and one-time passwords (OTPs) to Pakistani intelligence operatives to help activate WhatsApp accounts. These accounts were allegedly used to maintain secret communication with other accused persons operating in India.

The agency also claimed that the accused had previously been convicted in an espionage-related case under the Indian Penal Code and the Official Secrets Act.

The NIA said further investigation is underway to uncover the wider espionage network and identify others involved in the alleged conspiracy.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey