Arrested: Man Leaks Defense Info to Suspected Spy
The Special Task Force (STF) of the Kolkata Police has apprehended an individual, from Bihar for leaking information about Indias defense sector and critical installations to a suspected operative from Pakistan. The person taken into custody is Bhakt Banshi Jha, a 36 year resident of Darbhanga, Bihar who works as a delivery worker for a courier company in New Delhi.
According to officials from the STF the suspect was allegedly involved in sharing images and videos of Indian cities and defense establishments with a woman based in Pakistan. The identity of this woman is being kept confidential at present due to investigations and security concerns. However it is believed that she has connections with Pakistans Intelligence Bureau.
During a raid at Jhas residence in Darbhanga authorities discovered a collection of voter and Aadhaar cards indicating involvement, in activities.
The investigation is currently focused on determining whether Jha traveled to Pakistan or if the woman managed to enter India, which has prompted a search operation.
According to a ranking official, from the Kolkata Police we have received information suggesting that the individual in question traveled to cities across India, such as Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata.
This particular travel pattern has raised concerns that the images and videos captured in these cities may have been compromised and accessed by Pakistans Intelligence Bureau, which poses security risks. In order to conduct a investigation into this matter a specialized team, from the Special Task Force (STF) has been deployed to Bihar, which is the suspects home state.
Reportedly, Jha established contact with the Pakistani woman through a social media platform, and their interaction evolved into a friendship. Subsequently, they began communicating via WhatsApp using an Indian mobile number.
The woman purportedly requested images of Indian defense installations, claiming her sister worked as a defense journalist. She provided Jha with a mobile application through which he commenced sharing photographs.
The officer highlighted that the man had provided a considerable number of photographs depicting defense installations to the woman, leading to heightened concerns about security implications.
Charges under Sections 3 and 9 of the Official Secrets Act, along with Section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code, have been registered against the accused.