gujarat-ats-uncovers-espionage-ring-linked-to-pakistan

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) recently arrested a resident of Devbhoomi Dwarka district for allegedly leaking sensitive information about Indian Coast Guard operations to a Pakistani agent.

 

The accused, Dipesh Gohel, a 33-year-old welder, was apprehended for his role in espionage activities that compromised national security.

 

Gohel, who worked on Coast Guard boats at Okha Jetty for three years, reportedly came into contact with a person claiming to be a Pakistani naval officer seven months ago.

 

The individual, identified on Facebook as ‘Sahima’, later continued communications with Gohel through WhatsApp. Sahima sought confidential details about Coast Guard vessels stationed at Okha port, offering financial compensation in return.

 

Investigators revealed that Gohel provided classified information, including names, numbers, and movements of defence boats, over the course of several months.

 

Despite not having a bank account, Gohel facilitated transactions through the accounts of his associates. Sahima reportedly transferred ₹42,000 via UPI-linked accounts as payment for the leaked information. The forensic analysis of their WhatsApp exchanges confirmed these transactions.

 

Authorities disclosed that Gohel was paid ₹200 per day for sharing sensitive information.

 

During interrogation, he admitted to being fully aware of the implications of his actions but continued out of financial greed. Senior ATS officials emphasised that such breaches in national security pose significant risks to India’s strategic defences and intelligence networks.

 

The ATS has registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code against both Gohel and Sahima.

 

Officials believe that Sahima operated from Pakistan while using an Indian phone number to evade detection. Efforts are underway to trace Sahima and gather further evidence related to the case.

 

Gohel’s arrest underscores the persistent threat of espionage activities to national security. Sharing military intelligence with foreign agents jeopardises the country’s defences, making it vulnerable to external threats.

 

Officials have recovered initial evidence of the shared information and are continuing their investigation to uncover more details.