New Delhi — The National Investigation Agency has taken over the investigation into a suspected espionage network linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence, which allegedly used CCTV cameras to capture live feeds from sensitive locations across India.
The case was initially uncovered by the Ghaziabad Police, but was handed over to the NIA after early findings suggested a much larger, nationwide network. Officials said the agency is now analysing all aspects of the case, including the role of foreign handlers and the possible involvement of hostile intelligence agencies.
Investigations have revealed that solar-powered CCTV cameras were installed at railway stations, with plans to expand surveillance to other sensitive sites. The NIA will examine whether the operation was limited to monitoring crowded public areas or extended to tracking troop movements and defence-related infrastructure.
Authorities are also probing whether the network was collecting critical data on railway logistics and military-linked installations. Intelligence officials described the bust as timely, warning that the network could have spread further if not intercepted.
According to officials, Pakistan’s ISI has intensified espionage activities following Operation Sindoor, during which Indian forces targeted terror infrastructure. Since then, efforts to gather strategic information—especially related to the military—have reportedly increased.
The NIA probe will focus on the pan-India footprint of the network, which is believed to extend beyond Ghaziabad, Sonipat, and Delhi to other states, targeting multiple railway stations and defence installations.
A key part of the investigation will involve tracing the funding trail. Agencies suspect that money was routed from Pakistan to finance the installation of these cameras, with operatives reportedly paid between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000 per device.
Officials are also working to assess the extent of any data breach and take steps to secure sensitive information that may have been compromised.
The case first came to light last month after intelligence inputs indicated that live footage of strategic locations was being transmitted to handlers in Pakistan. Several arrests have since been made, including that of the alleged key operative Suhail Malik alias Romeo, along with multiple associates.
With nationwide jurisdiction, the NIA’s involvement is expected to deepen the probe and help dismantle the network while safeguarding national security.
With inputs from IANS