3 days ago
Pakistan spy case: NIA searches 3 locations in Kolkata, travel agency owner summoned
In the National Investigation Agency (NIA) raids conducted across the country in connection with the arrests linked to Pakistan espionage case, searches were conducted at three locations in Kolkata on Saturday. The officials also summoned a travel agency owner to its office for questioning with regard to some dubious money transactions.
According to NIA sources, in Kolkata the searches were held at shop in Alipore, a travel agency in Khidderpore and a hotel in Park Circus.
In all, raids were held at 15 locations in Delhi, Haryana, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Assam in connection with the arrest of CRPF Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Moti Ram Jat in Delhi for allegedly leaking classified information to Pakistani intelligence operatives in return of money.
According to sources in the NIA, there were some suspicious money transactions through the travel agency office on three occasions, including one on April 3, 2024. These transactions are being investigated.
Travel agency owner, Mohammed Masood Alam, has been summoned by the NIA for questioning on Monday. Alam told reporters that NIA officials searched his office regarding some money transfers.
'They were asking about a specific amount, but that transaction was not found. We had done three transactions in 2024 through third-party apps like Pay Point India. We do not personally know the person who came for those transactions. We only verify Aadhaar cards and process the transactions as per our job. The account number, where the money was transferred, was provided by the customer himself,' said Alam whose phone and laptop have been seized.
'As far as we know, it was said to be a Pakistan-based account. But Indian money cannot be directly sent to a Pakistan account through these platforms. This is my livelihood, and I've always done my work honestly, just like others in this business,' said Alam, adding that he would cooperate with the investigation agency. 'I have not done anything wrong. I only did my job, nothing else.'
Sources said that the activity of arrested ASI, Moti Ram Jat, who was posted in Pahalgam, was under the scanner for weeks, and was transferred to Delhi just five days before the April 22 terror attack that killed 26 civilians.
Prior to Pahalgam terror attack, it was found that Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra who was arrested on May 16 on charges of espionage had reportedly visited Kolkata thrice.
During her visits she had taken videos and pictures of important places like Sealdah railway station, Howrah Railway station, and Bali bridge.
