LUCKNOW: A suspect identified as Zia-ul-Haq (28) was arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) for allegedly funding handlers associated with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in the state. The suspect is accused of giving monetary rewards to handlers transmitting classified information pertaining to the Indian Army across the border.He was arrested from Sant Kabir Nagar on Saturday and was carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 on any information leading to his arrest.
Inspector General of police, ATS, Nilabja Chaudhary, said that during interrogation with the three arrested individuals, in the past who were identified as Amrit Pal Singh alias Amrit Gil, Izharul Husain, and Riyazuddin, surfaced the name of Zia-ul-Haq.
“Jiya-ul-Haq, emerged as a significant figure in the network. Haq, believed to be in direct contact with Pakistani agents, allegedly operated under the guise of a Nepalese identity and used WhatsApp accounts to conceal his true identity from law enforcement,” said the IG.
The accused Zia-ul-Haq played a pivotal role in orchestrating the financial transactions between the ISI handlers and the Indian operatives. His responsibilities included managing various bank accounts to facilitate the transfer of illicitly acquired funds, collected through criminal activities, to ISI operatives in Pakistan, the IG ATS added.
ATS said that investigations have revealed that one of the previously arrested suspects, Riyazuddin, had amassed a substantial sum of Rs 70 lakh deposited into his account in March 2023. The funds were subsequently transferred to multiple accounts, prompting ongoing scrutiny by law enforcement agencies.
The ATS acted swiftly upon receiving intelligence indicating Haq’s presence near the railway station in Sant Kabir Nagar district. He was arrested following electronic and physical surveillance operations.