Thirteen Accused Charged in Ghaziabad Spy Ring, NIA Cites Multiple Offences

In a significant development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has submitted a charge sheet against thirteen individuals linked to a spy ring operating in Ghaziabad. The charge sheet, presented before the Special NIA Court in Lucknow, names Praveen, Raj Valmiki, Shiva Valmiki, Ritik Gangwar, Sameer alias Shooter, Durgesh Nishaad, Naushad, Gagan Kumar, Vivek, Shivraj, Meera Thakur and Shen Irm alias Mahak.

The filing invokes sections 61(2) and 152 of the Indian Penal Code, 2023, sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, and sections 13, 17 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. A detailed investigation report concerning five minors was already placed before the Juvenile Justice Board in Ghaziabad on 18 May 2026.

The investigation began on 14 March 2026 at the Kausambi Police Station, under the Ghaziabad Commissionerate. To date, twenty‑one suspects have been taken into custody.

Prosecutors allege that the accused conspired to jeopardise India’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. They illegally entered highly sensitive and restricted areas, installed surveillance equipment, and transmitted geo‑tagged photographs and video footage to foreign entities. The network also secured Indian SIM cards with assistance from overseas agencies to facilitate the exchange of critical location data.

A police tip on 14 March reported that a group of youths from the Bhowapur area were capturing images of railway stations, security force installations and other strategic sites for foreign handlers. Rapid police action resulted in the arrest of five men and one woman; analysis of their mobile devices revealed video, photo and location data from several prohibited locations.

Given the seriousness of the case, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed. Interrogations commenced on 17 March, leading to further arrests on 20 March, which included five minors. On 22 March, the principal accused, Naushad Ali alias Lalu, was apprehended along with a female suspect, Meera, and a minor. The investigation confirmed that the entire espionage operation was directed by cross‑border handlers.