Espionage Crackdown: 21 booked under UAPA in cross-border spy network bust

Police have invoked the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) against 21 individuals arrested for their alleged role in a Pakistan-linked espionage network, significantly escalating the case into a high-priority national security investigation , officials said on Thursday.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Abhishek Srivastava (Indirapuram) said the stringent provisions of the UAPA will allow investigators extended time up to 180 days to file a chargesheet, while also imposing tougher bail conditions on the accused.

Officials in Ghaziabad indicated that the invocation of UAPA could pave the way for the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take over the probe, given its interstate and cross-border dimensions. According to investigators, the accused including a woman and six juveniles were allegedly passing on sensitive information to handlers based in Pakistan using social media and other communication channels . The network is believed to have operated across parts of the National Capital Region , Uttar Pradesh , and Bihar .

Police said the suspects maintained a low profile , working as daily-wage labourers and in modest jobs to avoid suspicion. One of the key accused, Sameer alias “Shooter” , a resident of Bhagalpur , was reportedly arrested while employed at a small eatery in Chandni Chowk .

In a concerning development, two juveniles were detained for allegedly installing CCTV cameras on utility poles near Delhi Cantonment and Sonipat railway station , locations considered sensitive due to potential military and logistical movements . Investigators believe this surveillance may have been intended to monitor train activity of strategic importance.

Another accused, Meera Thakur , who was earlier arrested from Mathura , is suspected to have links to arms smuggling . She had reportedly claimed to be an informer for the Mumbai Police, a statement now under scrutiny.

Officials noted that the use of juveniles in surveillance tasks suggests a deliberate attempt by the network to evade detection . Authorities are currently tracing financial transactions and digital communication trails to identify handlers operating from across the border. The espionage module was busted earlier this month , and further investigation is ongoing, police said.