Indian authorities unravel details of spy ring linked to Pakistan High Commission
New Delhi – Indian intelligence agencies have uncovered new details surrounding an alleged espionage operation, revealing how a woman named Gazala, arrested from Punjab, was reportedly recruited by a Pakistani diplomat stationed in New Delhi. The revelations provide fresh insight into how personal vulnerabilities were exploited to build covert links to sensitive military information.
First contact at the Pakistan High Commission
According to intelligence sources, Gazala first visited the Pakistan High Commission in February to process visa-related paperwork. It was there that she met a Pakistani official identified as Danish.
In her statement to investigators, Gazala recounted, “My husband died due to COVID. I went to the Pakistan High Commission for the first time in February. The first time I went, I met a Pakistani officer named Danish at the visa desk. He took all my details and gave me his mobile number. I completed the paperwork and left.”
A relationship rooted in manipulation
Investigators said that Danish contacted Gazala shortly after their initial meeting, claiming that some documents were missing and requesting she return to the office. During her second visit, the interaction became more personal.
“The second time I went, we talked a lot and started staying in regular contact. Danish told me he was married and his wife lived with him, but he wanted to marry me and would inform his wife about it,” she said.
Security officials believe that Danish used emotional manipulation and financial assistance to build trust. Gazala told authorities, “He also gave me money, considering my financial struggles, and sent me around ₹20,000 via UPI through Yamin. He asked me to use the amount for shopping and other expenses.”
Requests for sensitive military intelligence
According to interrogation records, Gazala eventually received a direct request from Danish to gather military intelligence.
“I did everything he asked me to do. He once asked me whether I had any information related to the Indian Army in Punjab or could arrange it,” she admitted during questioning.
Financial distress and promises of business opportunity
Gazala also told officials that she had relatives in Lahore, Pakistan, who encouraged her to move there to start a textile business—a move she considered to escape her precarious financial condition.
Her vulnerability and need for economic stability, officials say, made her susceptible to being pulled into a covert information network.
Pakistani diplomat declared persona non grata
On May 13, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) declared Danish persona non grata for conducting activities “inconsistent with his diplomatic status” and ordered his expulsion from India.
“The Government of India has declared a Pakistani official, working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, persona non grata for engaging in activities inconsistent with his official status in India. The official has been asked to leave India within 24 hours,” the MEA said in an official statement.
The incident has added strain to already tense diplomatic relations between the two countries and raised questions about diplomatic immunity and espionage tactics under the guise of official assignments.
