The police have taken Sohail Malik and Mehak (Sane Iram), the two masterminds, along with four others, into their custody.
The Ghaziabad police on March 14 arrested six individuals for allegedly being associated with a spying network that held ties with Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI. These individuals are accused of installing CCTV cameras at various places to transmit live video feeds about army routes, troop forces, and weaponry.
According to sources, the Ghaziabad Police took Sohail Malik, the mastermind of this racket, into custody. Malik, a resident of Meerut, received Rs 10,000 for each video clip he transmitted. Along with Sohail, a woman named Mahek (Sane Iram) has also been arrested. Mahek had the responsibility of recruiting young members to the network. Both Mahek and Sohail also had the responsibility to pay all the members based on their work.
Subsequently, the police arrested Praveen, Raj Valmiki, Shiva Valmiki, and Ritik Gangwa for being involved in the operation. Their phones, electronic gadgets, and several other documents have been seized.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that the gang covertly installed CCTV cameras in Delhi Cantonment Railway Station and Sonipat Railway Station. They also planned to install 50 cameras across locations, spanning from Delhi to Kashmir, with the intention of gathering information on military bases, troop activities, and their movements.
THE MANHUNT IS ON
The Ghaziabad Police is presently looking for an individual named Mohammad/ Sardar.
According to sources, the accused played a pivotal role in hatching the conspiracy. Mohammad allegedly provided funds for the installation of the CCTV cameras. He also had a key role in selecting the places for installing the CCTV cameras.
It has come to light that the accused possesses a UK-based mobile number. He also engaged in frequent phone calls with Sohail and Mahek, using a particular number.
HOW THE CRIME UNRAVELLED
The accused received online training on how to install the CCTV cameras. Despite that, they failed to install CCTV cameras and reached out to several technicians in the jurisdiction of the Kaushambi Police Station.
The matter drew attention to one of the beat constables of the local police. As he reported the matter to his superiors, the senior officials picked up the suspects and started questioning them.
As the investigation unfolded, they stumbled upon the existence of the gang and its links to the ISI.
SOHAIL THREATENED ONE OF THE MEMBERS
Following the incident, India Today spoke with the family members of one of the accused, Raj Valmiki. His parents told India Today that Sohail threatened his son by kidnapping his sister if he did not buy him three SIM cards.
“In a panic, my son bought him three SIM Cards,” his father said.
