Itanagar, Dec 23: In a major crackdown, the Itanagar Police have arrested two more persons from Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir for allegedly spying and collecting sensitive information for handlers based in Pakistan.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Aijaz Ahmed Bhat and Bashir Ahmad Ganai.
Addressing the media, IGP (Law and Order) Chukhu Apa said the arrests were made on December 18.
“The accused were brought to Arunachal Pradesh from Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir and are currently in police custody. With these arrests, the total number of accused in the case has risen to five,” he said.
According to the police, the accused were collecting sensitive information from different parts of Arunachal Pradesh and sharing it with their Pakistani handlers.
“We are awaiting the forensic reports. Preliminary investigations have revealed that sensitive information was being shared with handlers outside the country. The investigation is ongoing, and further details will emerge as the probe progresses,” Apa added.
Earlier, on November 21, the police had arrested two individuals — Nazir Ahmad Malik and Sabir Ahmed Mir, both residents of Kupwara district — following credible intelligence inputs about their involvement in espionage activities.
Subsequently, another accused, Shabir Ahmed Khan, also a resident of Kupwara, was arrested from Itanagar.
“We were acting on credible information about a spy network operating in Arunachal Pradesh. Under the leadership of Itanagar SP Jummar Basar, the police team worked diligently and made these arrests. Two accused were apprehended from Kupwara, while three were arrested from different locations within the Itanagar Capital Region,” Apa said.
He further stated that investigations would continue based on available evidence. “Most of the arrested individuals posed as blanket sellers and travelled to various parts of the state to gather information,” he said.
The IGP also appealed to residents to exercise caution while renting out accommodation. “I urge the people of Itanagar to verify documents and conduct proper police verification before allowing anyone to stay in their houses on rent. Failure to do so could lead to serious trouble,” he warned.
