Image Credits - The Indian Express
Satendra Siwal, an employee of the Indian Embassy in Moscow, was detained by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on suspicion of espionage. Siwal is allegedly supplying secret information on the strategic operations of India’s Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, and military establishments while working as a spy for the Pakistani intelligence agency, ISI, according to official comments made public on Sunday.
From Shahmahiuddinpur hamlet in the Hapur district, Satendra Siwal has been employed as the India-based Security Assistant (IBSA) at the Indian Embassy in Moscow since 2021. Following intelligence information indicating that the ISI was trying to entice Indian employees of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), he was arrested.
Posing a serious threat to India’s internal and external security, the ISI’s purported goal was to obtain vital intelligence from the Indian Army. After a comprehensive investigation that involved both physical and electronic surveillance, the Uttar Pradesh ATS discovered that Siwal had collaborated with a network of ISI handlers on anti-Indian activities. Siwal is charged with disclosing private information for monetary benefit.
The ATS statement states that Siwal was called to the agency’s Meerut field office and questioned there. Siwal is said to have confessed to the authorities during the interrogation that he had been involved in espionage activities. ATS has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Siwal at the ATS police station in Lucknow, citing the Official Secrets Act of 1923 and Section 121A of the Indian Penal Code (waging war against the country) in response to the findings.
The seriousness of the problem is highlighted by the arrest of an employee of the Indian Embassy in Moscow, underscoring the necessity of increased security measures to protect private national data. To determine the scope of Siwal’s actions and any possible harm to national security, the authorities will probably carry out more investigations.