UP Men Arrested for Spying for Pakistan, Sharing Sensitive Info
Two men in Uttar Pradesh were arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan.
Top Summary
- What happened: Two men from Uttar Pradesh's Hapur district have been arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan and sharing sensitive information via social media.
- Why it matters: The incident raises serious concerns about national security and potential vulnerabilities in information security.
- What changes: Increased vigilance and scrutiny of social media activities may follow, particularly around sensitive locations.
- Who is affected: The investigation is ongoing, potentially affecting other individuals involved in the network and impacting security protocols at targeted sites.
Arrests in Hapur and Meerut
Two men, Azeem Rana from Hapur and Azad Rajput from Meerut, were arrested on Wednesday. The arrests followed a joint operation with the Intelligence Bureau.
They are accused of sharing sensitive information with Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti.
Sharing Sensitive Information
According to Hapur SP Kunwar Gyananjay Singh, the accused shared photos, videos, and location details of sensitive sites.
These locations include a Sanatan Dharma temple in Delhi and the Ravan temple in Greater Noida’s Bisrakh.
Social Media Communication
The duo used platforms like Instagram, Telegram, and WhatsApp to communicate with their handler.
"The network appears to have been active since December 2025. The accused were also in contact through video calls on multiple occasions," said the SP.
Investigation Details
Forensic examination of the accused’s mobile phones revealed photos and videos allegedly sent to Pakistan.
Azeem Rana initially connected with Bhatti on Instagram in 2025, with the exchange escalating from casual videos to sensitive information for money.
Targeted Locations
The accused conducted reconnaissance of multiple locations, including Delhi’s Ramesh Nagar metro station.
On February 19, 2026, they allegedly shared images and videos of these locations with their handler, along with details of the Ravan temple in Bisrakh.
Shahzad Bhatti's Role
Shahzad Bhatti is described as a Pakistan-based organised crime figure.
He reportedly has links to land mafias and underworld networks and is believed to operate across multiple countries.
Intelligence agencies suspect Bhatti’s network of involvement in arms trafficking and other transnational criminal activities.
Ongoing Investigation
Investigators are probing the extent of the network and whether more individuals are involved.
The role of financial transactions and possible cross-border links is under scrutiny.
Security agencies are treating the case as serious, given the nature of the targeted sites and potential implications for national security.
What to Watch Next
The investigation into the network and the potential involvement of other individuals is ongoing. Further details regarding financial transactions and cross-border links are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.