Uttar Pradesh ATS arrests Varanasi man for allegedly spying for Pakistan, leaking sensitive info

Officials discovered that he had also circulated provocative messages, urging revenge over Babri Masjid and advocating for the enforcement of Sharia law

The Uttar Pradesh Police’s Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) has arrested a man from Varanasi on allegations of spying for Pakistan. The accused, identified as Tufail, has been accused of sending sensitive and confidential information regarding India to Pakistan, according to a report by CNN-News18.

Tufail, who hails from Varanasi, is suspected of engaging with several Pakistani nationals and sharing intelligence that could jeopardize the country’s security.

According to the CNN-News18 report, it came to light during investigation that Tufail was allegedly sharing pictures of some of the key locations in the city including Namo Ghat, Gyanvapi, among others.

Moreover, he actively shared videos of extremist leader Maulana Saad Rizvi of Tehreek-e-Labbaik in several WhatsApp groups, raising further concerns about his affiliations.

Officials discovered that he had also circulated provocative messages, urging revenge over Babri Masjid and advocating for the enforcement of Sharia law, the report added.

He is also believed to have distributed WhatsApp group links in Varanasi that acted as a link between local individuals and Pakistani networks.

The development comes amid the arrest of Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who has been accused of passing on sensitive information to Pakistani intelligence operatives. She was reportedly in touch with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a staffer at the Pakistani High Commission, since November 2023.

On May 13, India expelled Danish for allegedly indulging in espionage.

The Hisar native ran a YouTube channel "Travel with JO". She was arrested at the New Aggarsain Extension last week and booked under provisions of the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Tufail, meanwhile, is believed to have been in touch with around 600 Pakistanis, including a woman named Nafisa, whose husband reportedly serves in the Pakistani Army.