According to the ATS officer, the investigation uncovered that the accused first came in contact with the PIO in November 2021 through Facebook. “What began as a seemingly innocuous interaction soon turned into a dangerous liaison. Over the next one-and-a-half years — between November 2021 and May 2023, the officer said.
The accused had been sharing classified information via social media platforms. Representation Pic/istock
The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested a young Indian man on Thursday who was allegedly in contact with a Pakistan Intelligence Operative (PIO) and had been sharing classified information over social media platforms, an ATS officer said. The arrest was made following a tip-off received by the ATS, which led to a deep investigation into the youth’s digital communications.
FB friend to foreign agent
According to the ATS officer, the investigation uncovered that the accused first came in contact with the PIO in November 2021 through Facebook. “What began as a seemingly innocuous interaction soon turned into a dangerous liaison. Over the next one-and-a-half years — between November 2021 and May 2023 — the man allegedly sent sensitive regional information to the agent via WhatsApp,” the officer said. The information, as per ATS officials, was “classified and restricted” under Indian law.
Stringent action initiated
The Thane unit of Maharashtra ATS has registered a case against the man and two other individuals who came in contact with him during the operation. “We have charged the accused under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, specifically Sections 3(1)(a) and 5(1), which deal with spying and the unauthorised sharing of classified information. Additionally, charges have been filed under Section 120(B) of the Indian Penal Code for criminal conspiracy,” said the officer. Some reports suggest authorities have also invoked Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, indicating the gravity and possibly evolving legal framework under which the suspects are being prosecuted.
Broader probe underway
The authorities are now probing a possible terrorism-related angle, as such leaks could pose a serious threat to national security. “The ATS is leaving no stone unturned in determining the full extent of espionage network and the suspect’s role,” said the officer.
This case highlights the growing threat of digital espionage and how foreign agencies are exploiting social media to infiltrate and extract sensitive information. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of digital vigilance in an increasingly interconnected world.
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