The Indian government continues its crackdown on civil liberties, with recent actions drawing widespread concern. Following the demolition of Muslim homes in occupied Kashmir, several individuals have been detained on allegations of espionage for Pakistani intelligence.
Among them is Shahzad, a businessman from Uttar Pradesh, who was arrested by the Special Task Force (STF) over accusations of spying for Pakistan. Authorities claim he was involved in cross-border smuggling of items like cosmetics, clothing, and spices, allegedly using his business as a cover for intelligence-related activities.
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According to officials, Shahzad provided funding and Indian SIM cards to Pakistani operatives within India and helped recruit individuals from Rampur and nearby areas for espionage purposes.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another controversial case involving Jyoti Malhotra, a Haryana-based YouTuber who runs the channel ‘Travel with JO.’ She was accused of passing sensitive information to Pakistani agents, a claim many have dismissed as baseless.
Additionally, Dr. Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a professor at Ashoka University, was recently detained after posting criticism on social media regarding India’s military Operation Sindoor. His post, which challenged the government’s narrative and highlighted the civilian toll of the operation, triggered backlash from the ruling party.
These arrests have sparked criticism from civil rights organizations, who argue that national security laws are increasingly being misused to target dissent, stifle academic freedom, and silence critical voices.
