NIA arrests Kolkata man accused of spying for Pakistan intelligence officers

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a Kolkata resident identified as Zafar Riaz alias Rizvi in connection with an alleged Pakistan-linked espionage and terror conspiracy case. According to the agency, the accused was involved in secretly passing confidential security-related information to Pakistan Intelligence Officers (PIOs). He was arrested under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Official Secrets Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The NIA stated that a Look Out Circular had already been issued against Zafar Riaz and proceedings were underway to declare him a Proclaimed Offender before his arrest. Investigators said he had been travelling frequently between India and Pakistan since 2005 and was allegedly contacted by Pakistan Intelligence Officers during one such visit. The agency claimed he was later recruited for espionage activities in exchange for financial benefits and assurances of Pakistani citizenship.

According to the investigation, the accused was earlier convicted in an espionage case under the IPC and Official Secrets Act. The NIA further alleged that he helped espionage and terror operatives by providing One-Time Passwords linked to Indian mobile numbers, enabling the activation of WhatsApp accounts allegedly used by Pakistan-based handlers for secret communication.

The agency stated that one such WhatsApp account was allegedly used to communicate with another accused, Motiram Jat, who is also under investigation in the same case for allegedly passing sensitive security-related information. Officials said the probe is continuing to identify other individuals connected to the alleged espionage network and to examine the broader conspiracy linked to the case.