Did the NIA Court Just Send Two More Convicts to Jail in the Visakhapatnam Navy Espionage Case?
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Synopsis
In a significant development, the NIA Special Court has handed down sentences to two more convicts in the Visakhapatnam Navy espionage case, further tightening the noose on foreign operatives. With eight out of fifteen accused now convicted, the investigation continues to unravel the deeper conspiracy behind these alarming espionage activities.
Key Takeaways
- The NIA has successfully convicted eight out of fifteen accused in the espionage case.
- Ashok Kumar and Vikas Kumar received sentences of nearly six years.
- The investigation is ongoing to uncover the full conspiracy behind the spying activities.
- The NIA is committed to protecting national security against foreign threats.
- Additional sentences were previously handed down to other individuals involved in related cases.
New Delhi, Nov 25 (NationPress) A Special Court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has sentenced two additional individuals involved in the Pakistan-linked Visakhapatnam Navy espionage case to more than five years of prison time, along with fines, as confirmed by an official on Tuesday.
Ashok Kumar from Jhunjhunu district and Vikas Kumar from Alwar district in Rajasthan will serve a simple imprisonment term of 5 years and 11 months under Section 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Section 3 of the Official Secrets Act.
In addition, they face another year of simple imprisonment if they fail to pay a fine of Rs 5,000, imposed by the NIA Special Court in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, according to the official statement.
This brings the total number of convictions secured by the NIA in this case to eight out of the fifteen accused.
Ashok and Vikas were apprehended in December 2019 in Mumbai (Maharashtra) and Karwar (Karnataka) respectively. In June 2020, the NIA submitted a chargesheet against fourteen individuals, with a supplementary chargesheet for one additional suspect filed in March 2021.
Out of the fifteen individuals arrested, eight have been convicted and sentenced so far, while the trial continues for the remaining accused.
The NIA took charge of the investigation, which involves espionage activities targeting sensitive installations and Indian Navy facilities by foreign agents, from the Counter Intelligence Police Station of the Andhra Pradesh Police in December 2019.
The agency is actively pursuing its investigation to reveal the entire conspiracy behind the espionage, which was designed to threaten India's unity, integrity, security, and sovereignty, as stated in the announcement.
Earlier, on November 7, the NIA Special Court in Visakhapatnam sentenced two other defendants in a related case.
Kalavalapalli Konda Babu from Visakhapatnam District and Aviansh Somal from Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh, were sentenced to 5 years and 10 months of simple imprisonment under Section 18 of the UA(P) Act and Section 3 of the Official Secrets Act.
The court also mandated a fine of Rs 5,000 each, and in case of non-payment, the accused will face an additional year of simple imprisonment as per the NIA's statement.
Point of View
The ongoing investigation and sentencing of individuals involved in espionage reflects the serious threat posed by foreign agents to India's national security. The NIA's diligent efforts to uncover the full extent of this conspiracy are commendable and crucial in safeguarding the nation's integrity.
NationPress
25/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the sentence given to the convicts in the Visakhapatnam Navy espionage case?
The NIA Special Court sentenced Ashok Kumar and Vikas Kumar to 5 years and 11 months of imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 each.
How many individuals have been convicted in this case?
So far, eight out of the fifteen accused in the Visakhapatnam Navy espionage case have been convicted.
What charges were brought against the convicts?
The convicts were charged under Section 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Section 3 of the Official Secrets Act.
When were Ashok Kumar and Vikas Kumar arrested?
They were arrested in December 2019, with Ashok Kumar apprehended in Mumbai and Vikas Kumar in Karwar.
What is the main focus of the ongoing NIA investigation?
The NIA is investigating the espionage activities aimed at Indian Navy establishments and vital installations by foreign agents.
