The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday chargesheeted 13 accused in the Ghaziabad espionage case, alleging that they were part of a criminal conspiracy to access sensitive installations, install spy cameras and transmit geo-tagged photographs and videos to entities based in an enemy country, confirmed senior NIA officials while sharing a press note.
The Ghaziabad police investigation had found that the alleged network was filming sensitive locations, including railway stations and security establishments, across Ghaziabad, Delhi, Sonipat and adjoining areas. Investigators also suspected cameras were installed near key locations. The NIA said the Ghaziabad police arrested 21 accused. A Detailed Investigation Report against five juveniles in conflict with law was submitted before the Juvenile Justice Board in Ghaziabad on May 18.
The chargesheet was filed before the Special Court, NIA, in Lucknow. The case was earlier investigated by the Ghaziabad police and involves an alleged Pakistan-linked espionage network operating across the National Capital Region (NCR).
The case was initially registered on March 14 at Kaushambi police station in Ghaziabad under sections 61(2) and 152 of the BNS and sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act. Section 18 of the UAPA was later added during the police investigation.
The accused conspired to commit offences prejudicial to India’s sovereignty, unity and integrity, according to the NIA. The agency said its investigation found that the accused illegally trespassed into, approached and accessed prohibited and sensitive areas of vital importance and collected visual intelligence from these locations. The NIA said its investigation into the remaining accused and wider conspiracy is continuing.
