Mastermind recruited by PAK to gather sensitive details of Indian Navy arrested

New Delhi: Federal terror probe agency NIA on Friday arrested Mohammed Haroon Haji Abdul Rehman Lakdawala who was the key conspirator in Visakhapattnam espionage case from Mumbai.

During searches at the house of Md Haroon, a number of digital devices and incriminating documents have been seized by  the probe agency.

This case has been related to an international espionage racket involving individuals based in Pakistan and at different locations in India. 

Pak based spy's recruited agents in India for collecting sensitive and classified information regarding locations and movements of Indian Naval Ships and Submarines, and other defence establishments. 

"During investigation revealed that few navy personnel came in contact with Pakistani nationals through various social media platforms such as Facebook, Whatsapp and were involved in sharing classified information in lieu of monetary gains. The money was deposited into the bank accounts of the navy personnel through Indian associates having business interests in Pakistan", the NIA said.

Investigation revealed that arrested key accused Mohammed Haroon Lakdawala had visited Karachi, Pakistan on many occasions to meet his handlers under the guise of conducting cross -border trade.  During these visits, he came in contact with two Pakistani  spies  namely Akbar alias  Ali and Rizwan, who directed him to deposit money into the bank accounts of navy personnel at regular intervals.  The same was done through different means.

So far, 14 accused have been arrested including 11 Navy personnel and one Pakistani born Indian national Ms Shaista Qaiser in this case.

The case was originally registered as FIR No. 1/2019 dated 16/11/2019 at CI Cell, PS Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh under sections 120B & 121A of  IPC, Sec. 17 & 18 of UA (P) Act and Sec. 3 of  Official Secrets Act and later on December 29 last year the NIA took over the case.(UNI)