Security – NIA Files Detailed Report Against Five Juveniles in Ghaziabad Spy Case
Security – The National Investigation Agency has submitted a detailed investigation report against five juveniles accused of assisting a Pakistan-linked espionage network operating through sensitive railway locations in Uttar Pradesh.
The report was filed on Monday before the Juvenile Justice Board in Ghaziabad under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, the Official Secrets Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Officials said the case is linked to an alleged terror conspiracy involving surveillance activities at strategically important sites.
Investigation Focused on Railway Surveillance Network
According to investigators, the case first came to light in March 2026 after local police uncovered the installation of solar-powered cameras near sensitive railway premises. Authorities alleged that the live video feed from these devices was being shared with suspected operatives based in Pakistan.
After taking over the probe, the NIA expanded the investigation and identified a larger network allegedly involved in collecting and transferring sensitive information. So far, 21 individuals have been arrested in connection with the espionage case.
Officials stated that the five juveniles worked alongside other accused persons to gather photographs and video footage of key installations. Investigators also claimed that the material included geo-tagged details and GPS coordinates that could potentially expose critical infrastructure locations.
Juveniles Accused of Accessing Restricted Areas
The agency said its inquiry revealed that the juveniles had entered prohibited or highly sensitive zones without authorization. These locations were considered important from a national security perspective.
Investigators further alleged that the accused helped in setting up surveillance equipment and assisted in forwarding digital content to suspected handlers across the border. The material reportedly included photographs, videos, and location-based data.
The NIA also claimed that the juveniles played a role in arranging Indian SIM cards that were later used by individuals suspected of having links with terror activities. Officials believe these communication channels were intended to support operations inside India.
Probe Into Wider Conspiracy Continues
Authorities said the investigation remains active and several aspects of the suspected network are still under examination. Agencies are continuing to question other arrested individuals and verify digital evidence collected during the operation.
Security agencies have increased monitoring of installations considered strategically important, especially railway infrastructure and communication systems. Officials have not disclosed further operational details, citing the sensitivity of the case.
The matter has drawn attention to concerns surrounding the misuse of surveillance technology and communication networks for unlawful activities. Investigators are also examining whether additional locations or individuals may have been connected to the alleged conspiracy.
Separate Human Trafficking Case Linked to Cambodia
In another recent development, the NIA on May 16 filed a chargesheet against five individuals in a separate case related to human trafficking and cyber slavery operations in Cambodia.
The accused include Anand Kumar Singh, also known as Munna Singh, who has been identified by investigators as the alleged mastermind and is currently absconding. The chargesheet was submitted before a special NIA court in Patna, Bihar.
Three of the accused — Abhay Nath Dubey, Rohit Yadav, and Abhiranjan Kumar — were arrested earlier this year after arriving in New Delhi from Cambodia. Another accused, Prahlad Kumar Singh, is presently out on bail.
According to the agency, the group allegedly lured Indian youths with promises of well-paying jobs overseas before forcing them into illegal cyber-related activities. Investigators described the operation as part of an organised trafficking network targeting job seekers.