Have Two More Accused Been Sentenced in the Pakistan-Linked Visakhapatnam Navy Espionage Case?
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Synopsis
In a significant development, a Special Court of the NIA has convicted two more individuals in the Pakistan-linked Visakhapatnam Navy espionage case, raising the total number of convictions to six. This case sheds light on foreign espionage activities targeting India's critical defense establishments, underscoring the ongoing threat to national security.
Key Takeaways
- Two additional convictions in the espionage case raise total to six.
- The accused communicated with foreign agents via WhatsApp.
- Investigations revealed financial transactions linked to espionage.
- National security remains a priority as NIA continues its efforts.
- Ongoing vigilance is essential to prevent future espionage threats.
New Delhi, Nov 7 (NationPress) A Special Court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has handed down sentences of Simple Imprisonment (SI) to two additional individuals in connection with the Pakistan-linked Visakhapatnam Navy espionage case, as confirmed by an official on Tuesday.
The NIA Special Court located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, has sentenced Kalavalapalli Konda Babu from Visakhapatnam District and Aviansh Somal hailing from Kangra District in Himachal Pradesh to 5 years and 10 months of SI under sections 18 of the UA(P) Act and section 3 of the Official Secrets Act.
Additionally, the court has levied a fine of Rs 5,000 on each convicted individual; failure to pay this amount will result in an extra one-year SI, according to the NIA's statement.
With these latest convictions, the total number of individuals sentenced in this case has risen to six. The case involves espionage activities targeting crucial installations and Indian Navy facilities by foreign spies, with the intention of undermining India’s unity, integrity, security, and sovereignty.
The two convicted individuals were apprehended in December 2019 in Mumbai (Maharashtra) and Karwar (Karnataka) as part of the case RC-05/2019/NIA/HYD.
NIA investigations uncovered that they were communicating with foreign intelligence agencies via WhatsApp and were involved in sharing sensitive and classified information regarding Indian Defence establishments.
According to the investigation, both men initially made contact with Pakistani intelligence agents through Facebook.
They were reportedly compensated financially for providing sensitive information to Pakistani agents, including previously convicted individuals Abdul Rehman, Haroon Lakdawala, Shaista Qaiser, and Imran Giteli, who were sentenced earlier this year.
The four accused were found to have transferred various amounts to the accounts of the convicted individuals under instructions from Pakistani Intelligence Agents as part of the broader espionage conspiracy, as noted in the statement.
The NIA took over this investigation from the Counter-Intelligence Police Station of the Intelligence Department in Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) in December 2019, arresting a total of 15 individuals over the course of the investigation.
In June 2020, the agency filed a chargesheet against 14 accused persons, followed by a supplementary chargesheet involving one more accused in March 2021.
Point of View
NationPress
12/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pakistan-linked Visakhapatnam Navy espionage case?
It involves spying activities targeting vital Indian Navy installations by foreign agents, with the intent to undermine India's security.
How many individuals have been convicted so far?
As of now, a total of six individuals have been convicted in this case.
What penalties were imposed by the court?
The court sentenced the accused to Simple Imprisonment of 5 years and 10 months and imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 each.
How did the accused communicate with foreign agents?
They were in contact with foreign intelligence agencies via WhatsApp and initially through Facebook.
When did the NIA take over the investigation?
The NIA took over the investigation in December 2019.
