The Itanagar Police have arrested two individuals for allegedly spying for Pakistani handlers. The two accused – Nazir Ahmad Malik and Sabir Ahmed Mir – residents of Kupwara in Jammu & Kashmir, were arrested on 21 November after the police received credible information about their suspected involvement in espionage activities. Nazir was apprehended first from Ganga village, and based on the information he provided, Sabir was arrested the same day from Abotani Colony.
According to sources, the duo had been sending sensitive information on Army movements and vital military installations in Arunachal Pradesh to Pakistani handlers through a Telegram channel. They had been visiting Arunachal regularly for several years under the pretext of selling clothes, travelling across various districts. Most concerning, they had travelled to forward areas such as Kibitho, Anini, and Tezu, where they allegedly gathered sensitive information.
During interrogation, Nazir reportedly told investigators that Sabir had recruited him for spying in exchange for monetary benefits. A source said, “Nazir collected a large amount of information, including photographs and videos of key military installations, and shared them with the handlers. The two were in constant touch throughout this period.”
The duo arrived in Arunachal in April this year and began covertly gathering information. They allegedly received regular instructions from their handlers on what details to collect, which districts to visit, and which security establishments to target. According to sources, it was Sabir who first made contact with a Pakistani handler through Telegram.
Police have widened the scope of the investigation and have indicated the possibility of more arrests. A senior police officer said, “This is a very sensitive case and only the beginning of the investigation. We seek the cooperation of the public.” The state police are coordinating with multiple agencies, including those from other states, as the probe continues.
