UAPA Invoked Against 21 in Pakistan-Linked Spy Racket, Hidden Cameras Found at Railway Stations
In a significant development, the Uttar Pradesh Police has invoked the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against all 21 members of a Pakistan-linked spying racket that was busted earlier this month. Fresh details have emerged about a sophisticated surveillance network that had already planted hidden cameras at two major railway stations and was planning to install them at 50 more locations across the country.
Surveillance Network and Key Organizer
Police Commissioner J Ravindra Goud revealed that Sameer, also known as Shooter, a key organizer of the group, would moonlight as a utensil cleaner at a restaurant in Chandni Chowk. Tasked by his Pakistan-based handlers with surveying security force bases, railway stations, and other strategic establishments, Sameer was responsible for relaying critical information to foreign numbers. He was reportedly planning to install a covert CCTV camera at Ambala railway station at the time of his arrest.
Installed Cameras and Recruitment Pipeline
The individuals arrested since March 14 have confessed to installing solar-powered, SIM-based standalone CCTV cameras at Delhi Cantonment and Sonipat railway stations. These cameras were deliberately mounted at a height of 20 feet on platform poles to capture the movement of trains across three to four platforms simultaneously. The live feed from these cameras was being shared with unidentified numbers, some of which have been traced back to Pakistan.
Police have since removed the cameras at Delhi Cantonment on March 14 and the one at Sonipat on March 18. Commissioner Goud further disclosed that Sameer had built a recruitment pipeline by adding over 100 people to a WhatsApp group. He promised payments for photographs and videos of prominent locations, with the group sharing information with the handler coordinating the operation, Sardar alias Jora Singh, who is believed to be based in Pakistan.
Financial Transactions and Money Trail
During interrogation, police discovered that Sameer received funds from Sardar through a mule bank account. The money was transferred via Jan Seva Kendras, which are government-backed service centers providing access to financial, healthcare, and welfare services. Investigators are currently examining the account and its transactions in detail.
Earlier reports indicated a sophisticated money laundering operation where funds were routed from Pakistan to handlers in Nepal through hawala channels. The money then passed through casinos, businessmen, and mobile payment channels, with intermediaries taking a 20% cut before the remainder was transferred to Indian bank accounts or handed to operatives in cash.
Operational Details and Personal Relationships
Police believe Sameer was running the operation on a shoestring budget. Messages exchanged with Sardar, which the police have accessed, show that Sameer would often ask for Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 to buy alcohol daily, with Sardar frequently refusing these requests.
Investigators also found that Sana Iram alias Mehak, a 25-year-old resident of Kaushambi who was arrested earlier, had been in a relationship with Sardar. A few months ago, Sardar asked her to travel to Nepal to meet him, but she declined the invitation.
Legal Charges and UAPA Invocation
Initially, FIRs were registered under sections 152 (acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India) and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act. Police have now invoked Section 18 of the UAPA, which covers conspiracy, abetment, and preparation for terrorist acts, against all 21 persons in custody. This section carries a minimum sentence of five years, extendable to life imprisonment, along with a substantial fine.
Investigation Progress and Verification
According to police sources, many members had eventually left the WhatsApp group, growing suspicious after promised payments did not materialize. Authorities are now verifying each of those individuals to determine their level of involvement and potential connections to the broader network.
