Arunachal Pradesh Police Intensifies Action Against Alleged Espionage Network

The Itanagar Police have intensified their efforts against an alleged espionage network linked to Pakistan, resulting in the arrest of two suspects from Jammu and Kashmir. This crackdown has raised concerns about security in Arunachal Pradesh, with a total of four individuals apprehended in recent weeks. The police are urging residents to remain vigilant and ensure proper verification before allowing anyone to stay on their premises. Ongoing investigations and interrogations are expected to yield further developments in this case.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 23, 2025, 13:03 IST

Police Crackdown on Espionage Activities

Itanagar, Dec 23: The police in Itanagar have ramped up their efforts to dismantle an alleged espionage network purportedly connected to Pakistan, leading to the arrest of two individuals from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) for their involvement in spying activities within Arunachal Pradesh.

Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Chukhu Apa announced on Monday that the suspects, Aijaz Ahmed Bhat and Bashir Ahmad Ganai, were apprehended in Kupwara district of J&K on December 18. They have since been transported to Arunachal Pradesh and are currently in police custody.

Apa indicated that the pair is suspected of gathering sensitive information from various locations in the state and relaying it to their handlers in Pakistan.

“Our operations were based on reliable intelligence regarding a spy ring functioning in Arunachal Pradesh. Under the guidance of Itanagar SP Jummar Basar, our team worked diligently to secure these arrests. Two were taken into custody from Kupwara, while three others were apprehended from different areas within the Itanagar Capital Region,” Apa stated.

With these latest arrests, the total number of individuals detained on espionage charges linked to Pakistan by the Arunachal Pradesh police has reached four in just one month.

The investigation began on November 21, when Itanagar Police arrested Nazir Ahmad Malik and Sabir Ahmed Mir, both from Kupwara district, following specific intelligence reports.

Malik was captured in Ganga village in Itanagar, and based on information gathered during his interrogation, Mir was arrested later that day in Abotani Colony, the state capital.

Additionally, West Siang police apprehended Hilal Ahmed, also from Kupwara, while he was operating a cloth shop at a trade fair in Aalo.

Earlier, Changlang police had detained Gulam Md Mir from Miao, but he was released after investigators found no substantial evidence linking him to the alleged espionage network.

“We will continue our investigation based on the evidence we gather in the coming days. Most of the arrested individuals are blanket sellers who traveled across the state to collect information,” Apa noted.

He emphasized that interrogations are ongoing and forensic reports are pending, suggesting that further actions will be taken based on the evidence collected.

Expressing concern over inadequate verification processes, Apa urged the community to stay vigilant and ensure police verification before allowing anyone to stay on their property, highlighting the importance of public awareness for security.