Two Arrested In UP’s Hapur For Allegedly Spying For Pakistan, Probe Underway

Two men accused of spying for Pakistan and sharing sensitive information with handlers linked to that country have been arrested in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh. The arrests were made by a joint team of Hapur police, the Anti‑Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB), who say the duo were gathering and transmitting data on key locations in Delhi, Noida and the surrounding National Capital Region. The suspects, identified as Hapur‑based Ajim Rana and Azad Rajput, a resident of Mehat country’s sensitive security and religious sites.

Law enforcement officials said the suspects were allegedly operating in liaison with Shahzad Bhatti, a notorious Pakistani gangster and alleged ISI‑linked figure based across the border. According to the probe, Bhatti used social‑media platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Instagram to direct the two men to conduct “reconnaissance” of strategically important as well as religious places. The arrested duo were reportedly tasked to collect photos, videos, location data and other operational details that could be used to plan or support hostile activities inside India.

Police have recovered two mobile phones from the accused, which allegedly contain incriminating chats, images and videos sent to their Pakistan‑based handler. Investigators say the suspects confessed to having shared data on multiple sites, including a popular temple in Delhi, as part of organised, cross‑border intelligence gathering. The material is now being examined by security and technical agencies to trace the full network of contacts and check for any financial links or further operatives.

Also Read: #BreakingNews: Iran Lawmakers Push For Shipping Tolls In Strait Of Hormuz

The case has been registered at DhauLana police station under laws related to seditious and foreign‑agency‑linked activities, including provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Official Secrets Act, 1923. Ajim Rana and Azad Rajput have been produced before a local court and are being sent to judicial custody as the investigation continues. Authorities have indicated that the probe could expand to uncover additional links, including possible funding channels or intermediary networks operating in Uttar Pradesh and adjoining regions.

This arrest comes amid a broader crackdown on alleged Pakistan‑linked spy and terror‑support networks in northern India, with recent operations also targeting navy personnel and other alleged ISI operatives in Uttar Pradesh. Security agencies have warned of evolving hybrid tactics, in which non‑state actors and criminal networks are used to gather intelligence and prepare for potential threats against key infrastructure and public spaces. The Hapur case underscores authorities’ focus on disrupting such digital‑enabled espionage before any concrete strike materialises.

Also Read: #Just-In: Iranian Missiles Claim First Palestinian Victims in West Bank, 3 Women Killed