Visakhapatnam, Oct. 17 – A special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Visakhapatnam has handed down prison sentences to two more men accused of spying on Indian Navy bases. The convictions bring the total number of jailed suspects in the case to four.
Mohammad Haroon Haji Abdul Rehman Lakdawala, a 34‑year‑old from Mumbai, got five and a half years’ simple imprisonment for each section 17 and 18 violation of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Imran Yakub Giteli of Godhra was sent to jail for six years on the same charges. Both men also face a fine of ₹5,000; if they fail to pay, they’ll serve an extra year in jail.
The case stems from covert spying operations at key Navy facilities. Police say Lakdawala and Giteli worked as agents for foreign intelligence services, mainly Pakistan. They kept in touch with Pakistani spies via WhatsApp and were regularly linked to Pakistani intelligence during visits across the border.
Investigators discovered that the two men used illegal businesses to funnel money to Indian Navy staff. They transferred cash to Navy personnel’s accounts through PoS points and other banking channels, following orders from Pakistani agents.
The NIA took over the probe in December 2019, after the Counter Intelligence Police Station in Vijayawada gave it up. It has now arrested 15 people, including 11 Navy employees. In June 2020, it filed charges against 14 suspects, adding a supplementary charge sheet for one more in March 2021.
The investigation and trial are ongoing. The NIA said it will continue to pursue the case and seek further convictions.
Source: ianslive
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
