Itanagar, Dec 23: The Itanagar Police have arrested two residents of Jammu and Kashmir for alleged espionage activities in Arunachal Pradesh, a senior officer said on Tuesday.
Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Chukhu Apa informed that the two men, identified as Aijaz Ahmed Bhat and Bashir Ahmad Ganai, were arrested from Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir on December 18. They have since been brought to Arunachal Pradesh and are currently in police custody.
Apa said another person earlier detained from Miao in Changlang district was released after investigators found no evidence linking him to the case.
According to the IGP, the accused were allegedly involved in collecting sensitive information from different parts of the state and passing it on to handlers based in Pakistan.
The case first surfaced on November 21 when the police arrested Nazir Ahmad Malik and Sabir Ahmed Mir, both from Kupwara district, on suspicion of spying. Malik was detained from Ganga village in Itanagar, and based on leads from his interrogation, Mir was later arrested from Abotani Colony the same day.
In a follow-up operation, West Siang Police apprehended Hilal Ahmed, also from Kupwara, from a shop at Aalo, where he was running a stall at the trade fair in Old Market. Another Kupwara resident, Gulam Md Mir, detained by Changlang Police from Miao, was later released after no incriminating evidence was found.
The IGP said most of those arrested posed as blanket sellers to travel freely across the state and gather information. “We were acting on credible inputs about a spy network operating out of Arunachal Pradesh. Under SP Jummar Basar’s leadership, the Itanagar Police team worked diligently to make these arrests,” Apa said.
He confirmed that interrogation of the accused and forensic analysis are underway. “Further action will depend on the evidence gathered,” he added.
Apa also urged citizens to remain cautious and ensure proper police verification of tenants and temporary residents. “Do not allow anyone to stay on your property without proper verification. Vigilance is crucial for everyone’s safety,” he cautioned.
