Devbhoomi Dwarka: The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has apprehended an Indian citizen, Dinesh Gohil, from Okha, a coastal town in Devbhoomi Dwarka district, on charges of espionage. Gohil is accused of providing sensitive information about the Indian Coast Guard and maritime borders to Pakistani agents.
The ATS, acting on intelligence reports, arrested Gohil and initiated legal proceedings. This marks another significant operation by the ATS to curb the flow of sensitive information to hostile entities.
Espionage Details
According to ATS sources, the accused shared critical details about the Indian Coast Guard and maritime activities with contacts in Pakistan through social media and other undisclosed channels. Investigations revealed that Gohil had sent photographs and other sensitive information related to the maritime border to Pakistan.
Gohil, who worked for a private company near Okha, is believed to have established connections with individuals in Pakistan. ATS officials are probing how he became part of this espionage network and whether he was influenced by monetary gains or honeytraps.
ATS Surveillance and Arrest
The ATS had been monitoring Gohil’s activities for several days before making the arrest. Upon interrogation, it was confirmed that Gohil had shared substantial information about the Coast Guard's movements and maritime security protocols. The ATS has also questioned his colleagues to determine if they were involved or aware of his activities.
Previous Espionage Incident in Porbandar
This case follows a similar incident last month in Porbandar, where the ATS arrested another individual, Pankaj Kotia, for allegedly sharing classified information about the Coast Guard with Pakistani agents.
Kotia was reportedly in contact with operatives linked to the Pakistani Army or intelligence agency ISI. He used social media platforms to leak details about the Porbandar Coast Guard Jetty and Indian Coast Guard boats. Following his detention, the ATS filed charges and detained Kotia, further intensifying their surveillance along Gujarat's coastal regions.
Ongoing Investigation
The ATS is now working to uncover the full extent of the espionage network and identify other individuals potentially involved in these operations. Coastal towns like Okha and Porbandar, with their proximity to Pakistan, have been focal points for intelligence agencies due to their strategic importance.
Heightened Vigilance
This series of arrests underscores the persistent threat of espionage in sensitive border areas. ATS officials have reiterated the need for enhanced security measures and public awareness to prevent such incidents.
