An Indian man, identified as Deepesh Gohel, was arrested by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad for sharing sensitive information about Coast Guard ships with a Pakistani agent through Facebook. The accused had been in contact with the agent for seven months and received payment of Rs 200 per day for providing information. The accused had been charged with criminal conspiracy against the state and an espionage case has been registered.
Indian Man Arrested for Espionage with Pakistani Agent Through Facebook
Background:
Spying and espionage have been a persistent problem between India and Pakistan, two neighboring countries with a history of conflict. In the past, both countries have been accused of engaging in cross-border espionage activities, including the use of social media platforms like Facebook.
Current Case:
On February 22, 2023, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested an Indian man named Deepesh Gohel for sharing sensitive information about Coast Guard ships with a Pakistani agent through Facebook. The accused was identified as a resident of Rajkot, Gujarat.
According to the ATS, Gohel had been in contact with the Pakistani agent for seven months, providing information about the movement and deployment of Coast Guard vessels. He reportedly received payment of Rs 200 per day for the information he provided.
Charges:
The accused has been charged with criminal conspiracy against the state and espionage under the Official Secrets Act, 1923. Espionage is a serious crime in India, punishable by imprisonment for up to seven years.
Investigation:
The ATS is continuing its investigation to uncover the full extent of Gohel's activities and identify any other individuals or organizations involved in the espionage ring. The agency is also examining Gohel's electronic devices and social media accounts for evidence.
Top 5 FAQs:
Q1: What was the nature of the sensitive information shared by Gohel? A: The information included details about the movement and deployment of Coast Guard ships.
Q2: How did the accused establish contact with the Pakistani agent? A: Through Facebook.
Q3: What is the penalty for espionage in India? A: Up to seven years in prison.
Q4: Has there been any previous history of espionage between India and Pakistan? A: Yes, both countries have been accused of engaging in cross-border espionage activities in the past.
Q5: What are the implications of this incident for relations between India and Pakistan? A: The incident could further strain relations between the two countries, which are already marked by mistrust and hostility.
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