UP Anti-Terrorism Squad arrests retired Army soldier on charges of spying

The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh arrested a retired Army soldier, Saurabh Sharma, on the charges of spying for a Pakistani intelligence agency for the last four years. He was arrested following the inputs provided by Lucknow based Military Intelligence (MI) Unit.

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Friday apprehended a retired Army soldier on charges of passing classified information and documents to Pakistan's intelligence agency.

Based on input provided by Lucknow based Military Intelligence (MI) Unit, the ATS arrested Saurabh Sharma, who had taken voluntary retirement from the services in June 2020.

After receiving the tip, the "Operation Cross-Connection" was initiated by the ATS to trace the accused who was reportedly working for a Pakistani intelligence agency for the last four years.

Sharma shared all the sensitive information through text, audio and photo messages and also on WhatsApp calls. He also received several payments from his Pakistani handlers, an official said.

Notably, the UP ATS has registered a case under sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy) 123 (concealing with the intent of waging war against nation) under relevant sections of Official Secrets Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.