Pakistani agent; worker at Indian embassy in Russia arrested from Meerut

Indian authorities have arrested an embassy worker in Moscow on charges of espionage for Pakistan, officials said Saturday.

The accused, Satendra Siwal, was detained in northern India's Meerut city by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad (ATS). He had been working as a security assistant at the Indian embassy in Russia since 2021.

According to investigators, Satendra Siwal was passing confidential information about India's defence installations and strategic activities to Pakistani intelligence handlers. He allegedly shared sensitive details regarding the defence and external affairs ministries that could threaten national security.

UP ATS ने हापुड़ के सत्येंद्र सिवाल को किया अरेस्ट, ISI के लिए जासूसी का आरोप#SatyendraSival #Russia #ISI #Pakistan #UPATS #UPNews #IndiaDailyLive @Uppolice pic.twitter.com/yGgKEzIgZN

— India Daily Live (@IndiaDLive) February 4, 2024

The ATS acted on intelligence inputs that Pakistan's ISI spy agency was bribing Indian embassy personnel for classified data. Surveillance of Mr Siwal, a native of Uttar Pradesh, revealed his involvement in the anti-India network.

During interrogation, Siwal failed to provide satisfactory answers and admitted to the crime, officers said. He has been booked under the Official Secrets Act and the charge of waging war against India.

The arrest comes amid strained ties between the nuclear-armed neighbours. Pakistan has often been accused of using its embassy staff abroad for espionage activities against India. Authorities are probing whether Siwal acted alone or had local associates.