Indian embassy employee shares secret military documents after being trapped: UP ATS

An employee of the Indian Embassy in Moscow, who was recently arrested in Uttar Pradesh for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence Agency, was ensnared by a woman who befriended him on social media, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad said . Meerut ATS inspector Rajeev Tyagi said Satendra Siwal, a resident of Shahmahiuddinpur village in Hapur, shared secret documents related to weapons systems of the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy, including fighter jets and submarines. Siwal is currently on 10-day ATS remand until February 16.

Sibal last year contacted a woman who had set up an online profile in the name of Pooja Mehra. She sets a trap for him and lures him into sharing secret documents with her in exchange for money. ” Sibal claimed that the files he shared with the woman were still in his phone. ATS inspector added that forensic examination of his phone and other devices used by him was ongoing.

ATS investigation through electronic and physical surveillance found him involved in anti-India activities with a network of ISI handlers. ATS officials also said the woman’s social media accounts were being processed by Pakistan’s intelligence agency. ATS Meerut unit arrested Sibal, who was working as IBSA (Indian Security Assistant) at the Indian Embassy in Moscow since 2021, from Lucknow on February 4. An FIR was registered against him at the Lucknow ATS police station under Section 121A (waging war against the state) of the IPC and the Official Secrets Act, 1923, following which he was arrested.

During the interrogation, Sibal could not give a satisfactory answer and “admitted” his crime. The ATS had earlier said Sibal was providing critical confidential information on strategic activities of the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of External Affairs and Indian military agencies in exchange for money.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was aware of Sibal’s arrest and was cooperating with investigative authorities in the case. Meanwhile, police said Sibal’s family had left their hometown in Hapur and moved to other places.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)