NIA arrests Kolkata man in Pak-linked espionage case

A Kolkata resident arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on charges of espionage has been involved in spying activities since 2005 and was previously convicted in an earlier espionage case, officials said. The NIA said a Pakistan-backed spy engaged Zafar Riaz alias Rizvi in clandestinely passing confidential security-related information to Pakistan Intelligence Officers (PIOs) as part of an anti-India terror conspiracy.

A Look Out Circular had been issued against Rizvi, and proceedings were under way to declare him a Proclaimed Offender before he was taken into custody. He has been arrested under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Official Secrets Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. According to the NIA, the accused was married to a Pakistani national, and his children are Pakistani citizens.