Pak-Linked Espionage Operatives Sentenced in Vizag Naval Case

The National Investment Agency (NIA) Special Court in Vizag has sentenced two more accused in the Navy espionage case. This takes the number of convicted in the case to four. The case pertains to the espionage activities at vital Indian Navy installations allegedly orchestrated by foreign spies and their local agents.  

The court has sentenced Mohammad Haroon Haji Abdul Rehman Lakdawala of Mumbai to five-and-a-half years of simple imprisonment under Sections 17 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Imran Yakub Giteli of Godhra, Gujarat, was sentenced to six years of simple imprisonment. The duo got arrested in May and September 2020 in their home states.

The investigations revealed that the two convicted criminals have acted as agents of foreign intelligence networks and took part in activities that threaten India’s unity, integrity, and national security. They also maintained communications through WhatsApp with Pakistani intelligence operatives. The accused had relatives in Pakistan and contacted intelligence handlers during visits to the neighbouring country. Along with the accusations, they were also involved in illegal cross-border trade in garments and other goods through unauthorised routes. The profit from these activities was allegedly used to fund the espionage operations in India.

The accused also deposited money into the accounts of Navy personnel through online transfers, PoS terminals and other channels from Mumbai and Godhra on the directions of Pakistan agents.

The agency took the probe from the counter-intelligence police station, Andhra Pradesh’s intelligence department, in December 2019. In total, 15 persons, including 11 Navy personnel, were arrested during the investigation. A chargesheet was filed against the 14 accused in June 2020, followed by a supplementary chargesheet against one more accused in March 2021.  Further investigation and trial in the case are ongoing.

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