NIA Court Sentences Second Accused in Pakistan-Backed Espionage Case
A special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has convicted Rajakbhai Kumbhar, a key figure in a defense espionage case with Pakistani ties, to rigorous imprisonment. The ruling was delivered by a Lucknow-based court in Uttar Pradesh. Kumbhar, hailing from the West Kachchh district of Gujarat, is the second individual sentenced in this high-profile case.
Under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Kumbhar received a maximum sentence of six years in prison, along with a monetary fine. The NIA confirmed that all sentences will run concurrently, but noted that an additional month of imprisonment would be imposed for each charge if Kumbhar fails to pay the fines.
The case initially came to light when the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, registered charges against another accused, Md Rashid from Chandauli district in Uttar Pradesh. Rashid was found to be in contact with agents of the Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), allegedly passing sensitive photographs that included images of critical military locations and Indian Army movements. These sensitive visuals were reportedly captured using his mobile device.
The NIA took over the investigation in April 2020, subsequently filing charges against Rashid in July of the same year. A supplementary chargesheet against Kumbhar was submitted in February 2021. The agency’s inquiry established that Kumbhar conspired with Rashid and ISI agents to orchestrate terrorist activities and to obscure their anti-India operations.
According to the NIA’s statement, “Rajakbhai had facilitated Rashid by providing funds in exchange for the sensitive photographs, which Rashid had sent to ISI agents,” highlighting the coordinated efforts to compromise India’s security.
This conviction underscores the ongoing battle against espionage and terrorism in the region, as authorities continue to clamp down on such nefarious activities.
