In a noteworthy espionage operation, the Anti-Terrorist Squad apprehended Satendra Siwal, an Indian national hailing from Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday. Siwal is accused of engaging in espionage on behalf of Pakistan's ISI, allegedly sharing classified information with the Pakistan-based Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Posted in Moscow, Satendra served as a multitasking staff member at the Indian Embassy. Allegedly engaging in espionage for the ISI, he transmitted crucial information to his handlers across the border. Satendra was arresed in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.

The Director-General of ATS, Mohit Agarwal, claimed Satendra had been under rigorous surveillance for the last six months. He was arrested upon his return to Hapur after taking leave from the embassy in Moscow. Agarwal asserted that Satendra stands accused of sharing 'confidential' information with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

 The ATS chief reported that Satendra had been employed at the Indian Embassy in Moscow since 2021 as an India-based Security Assistant (ISBA).

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), responsible for Siwal's arrest, disclosed that the accused had been passing on confidential information on the strategic operations of the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of External Affairs, and Indian military establishments in exchange for financial compensation. The ATS additionally stated that they had received information from various confidential sources indicating that handlers from Pakistan's spy agency, ISI, had employed monetary incentives to sway individuals within the Indian Foreign Ministry to divulge highly classified information pertaining to the Indian Army and its strategic plans.

The arrest occurred following the filing of an FIR against him, which was registered at the ATS police station in Lucknow under Section 121A of the IPC (waging war against the country) and the Official Secrets Act, 1923. According to the statement, Siwal confessed his crimes during questioning when summoned by the ATS field unit in Meerut. Officials stated that the operation resulted in the seizure of two mobile phones, one Aadhar card, one Pan card, one identification document, and Rs 600 in cash from Siwal.