Srinagar, Dec 23 (KNS): Arunachal Pradesh Police have arrested two more persons from Kupwara district for allegedly spying and collecting sensitive information for handlers based in Pakistan, officials said.

The arrested men have been identified as Aijaz Ahmed Bhat and Bashir Ahmad Ganai. With these arrests, the total number of accused held in the espionage case has increased to five, police said.

Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Chukhu Apa said the arrests were made on December 18 and the accused were brought to Arunachal Pradesh from Kupwara district. “They are currently in police custody. With this, the total number of accused in the case has risen to five,” he said.

According to the police, preliminary investigation revealed that the accused were collecting sensitive information from different parts of Arunachal Pradesh and sharing it with handlers based in Pakistan.

“We are waiting for the forensic report. The investigation is ongoing and further details will be shared as it progresses,” the IGP said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Earlier, on November 21, police had arrested Nazir Ahmad Malik and Sabir Ahmed Mir, both residents of Kupwara, following credible intelligence inputs regarding their alleged involvement in espionage activities.

Subsequently, another accused, Shabir Ahmed Khan, also from Kupwara, was arrested from Itanagar.

“We were acting on credible intelligence inputs about a spy network operating in Arunachal Pradesh. Under the leadership of Itanagar Superintendent of Police Jummar Basar, the team conducted the operation and made these arrests,” Apa said.

The IGP said the accused were mostly blanket sellers who travelled to various parts of the state, during which they allegedly gathered information.

He also urged residents of the Itanagar Capital Region to remain vigilant and verify documents before allowing anyone to stay in rented accommodations.

“People should verify documents with the police to avoid any inconvenience,” he said.(KNS).