Noida Spy Ring Uncovered: Petrol Pump Worker Among 18 Arrested for Alleged Data Leak to Pakistan
In a startling revelation from Noida, a twenty-year-old man, Naushad Ali, has been arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive data with a Pakistani number, while living an unassuming life in Faridabad. For the past four months, Naushad resided with his uncle and worked diligently repairing punctured tyres at a petrol pump in Nachauli village, which opened just a year ago.
Background and Arrest Details
Naushad Ali, originally from Muzaffarpur in Bihar, is now among 18 individuals in custody, accused of being part of an extensive network. This group allegedly filmed railway stations and government offices across Delhi-NCR and Mumbai, sharing sensitive footage with a Pakistani contact. Investigators have identified Naushad as one of the key handlers responsible for recruiting others into the operation.
Employees at the petrol pump described Naushad's behavior as completely normal, with no signs of suspicious activity. He slept in a small office at the pump, ordered meals online, and was always willing to work. His arrest on Sunday, along with Meera (28) from Mathura and a 17-year-old boy, has brought the total number of suspects to 18, including six minors.
Network Operations and Recruitment
Police investigations reveal that Naushad, along with Sameer and Sohail, served as the main handlers in the network. Their primary role was to expand the gang by recruiting new members. Naushad and Sohail are believed to have convinced over 20 people to join, targeting young individuals with technical skills such as mobile repair, computer work, and CCTV handling, particularly from impoverished backgrounds.
A senior officer stated, "Naushad's role was to identify and bring in young people with technical skills by offering them money. During the investigation, we found more than 10 social media groups linked to him, each with 70 to 80 members." The network was orchestrated by Sardar alias Jora Singh, the key recruiter operating across India, with whom Naushad connected via social media about two years ago.
Technical Aspects and Evidence
According to police reports, the accused installed solar-powered, SIM-based standalone CCTV cameras at Delhi Cantt and Sonipat railway stations. These devices, fixed about 20 feet high on platform poles, captured live feeds of three to four platforms and train movements, which were then shared with the Pakistani number. One camera was removed from Delhi Cantt on March 14 and another from Sonipat on March 18.
Police further disclosed plans to install similar cameras at 50 additional locations from Delhi to Kashmir, aimed at gathering sensitive military information. The operatives received instructions through a specific number and were paid approximately Rs 5,000 or more per assignment. Chats contained photographs of various locations in Delhi-NCR, though some had been deleted.
Legal Actions and Ongoing Investigation
A case has been registered at Kaushambi police station under sections 152 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act. In response to the escalating situation, a special investigation team has been formed on the chief minister's order to delve deeper into the network.
Naushad's personal history adds a layer of complexity to the case. He dropped out of school after Class 5 due to financial hardships and previously worked at a restaurant in Kolkata before moving to Delhi. His uncle, Ali Raja, who lives in Faridabad, helped secure the job at the petrol pump through a friend, Mumtaz, a puncture repair shop owner also from Muzaffarpur.
As the investigation continues, police are conducting raids to arrest Sameer, another key operative. The network's sophisticated use of technology and targeted recruitment strategies highlight the growing challenges in cybersecurity and national security.
