Pakistan-linked espionage, radicalisation modules busted in Uttarakhand, UP

Security agencies have uncovered two separate cases of alleged espionage and radicalisation linked to Pakistan-based handlers in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh , leading to multiple arrests, officials said on Friday.

In Dehradun , the Special Task Force (STF) of Uttarakhand Police arrested Vikrant Kashyap (29) for allegedly sharing sensitive information about government and defence establishments with a Pakistan-based handler. According to officials, he was in contact with an ISI-linked operative, Shehzad Bhatti , through Instagram and WhatsApp .

Investigators said Kashyap sent photos and location details of key installations , including the police headquarters and ISBT, and was allegedly instructed to plant bombs and spray-paint “Tehreek-e-Taliban Hindustan (TTH)” slogan s . A .32-bore pistol, live cartridges, and spray paint were recovered from him.

During interrogation, Kashyap claimed he was influenced by the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022 and sought to avenge it. Police said he was promised relocation to Dubai via Nepal , and sensitive data has been retrieved from his phone.

In a separate case in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor district , police arrested Uvaid Malik and Jalal Haider for alleged links with Aqib, a Meerut native based in Dubai with suspected Pakistan connections.

Aqib had earlier drawn attention after a viral Instagram video showing him with an AK-47 and explosives , initially dismissed as fake. However, fresh intelligence inputs prompted a renewed probe, now handed over to the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS).

The arrested men allegedly said Aqib was inciting youths and promoting anti-national activities. Authorities have also taken disciplinary action against police officials involved in the earlier inquiry.

Officials are now probing possible cross-border coordination using social media for espionage and radicalisation.