Uncle-nephew from Hapur held for ‘spying for Pak’

Meerut: The Delhi unit of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) has arrested two men from Hapur for sharing photos, videos and location details of sensitive sites with Pakistan-based handler and gangster Shahzad Bhatti, officials said on Thursday.Hapur SP Kunwar Gyananjay Singh said Azim Rana from Dhaulana in Hapur and his nephew Azad Rajput from Jai village in Meerut were in contact with Bhatti through social media. "The accused shared visuals and locations of places such as a Sanatan Dharma temple in Delhi, the Ravana temple in Bisrakh village of Greater Noida, and surrounding areas on Feb 19 this year," Singh said.Investigations revealed that Azim first came in contact with Bhatti via a social media platform in 2025. Initially sharing general content, he was later allegedly lured with money to provide sensitive inputs through other online platforms. The two were also in touch through video calls. "An FIR has been registered against both accused under BNS sections 152 (acts endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India), 61 (2) (criminal conspiracy) and sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act 1923. Further interrogation is underway to ascertain the full extent of the network," Singh said.Officials said Bhatti has a long criminal background and alleged links to cross-border networks. Known to operate through social media and encrypted platforms, he has been accused by Indian agencies of attempting to recruit youths for espionage and reconnaissance activities.Officials added that security agencies were suspecting Bhatti used financial inducements and digital outreach to expand his network, posing a potential threat to national security by targeting vulnerable individuals for unlawful activities.