‘Spy’ held in Mumbai underwent ground handling training

Mumbai: A 28-year-old visa agent arrested in the city last week on suspicion of spying for Pakistan had allegedly scouted 20-25 terrorism targets across the country on the orders of two diplomats posted at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi, the police said on Wednesday. Among the sites scouted by Javed Abdul Gafoor Mozawala were dams, bridges, cantonments and other vital installations, they said. Sources told The Indian Express that the two diplomats were senior Pakistan Army officers linked to the ISI, on deputation at the High Commission. One is believed to be of Lieutenant Colonel rank; the other a Major. A report detailing dealings between them and Mozawala is being sent to the Centre, and the process of declaring the officers persona non-grata would be initiated soon, they said.
The police have also found that Mozawala underwent a civil aviation course in ground handling. They have seized two certificates of the course conducted by a Mumbai institute. “The course deals with ground handling, and since this does not fit with his career profile it could have sinister implications. Getting a job in cargo handling could get him access to restricted areas,” Roy said.
Mozawala, a Class 8 dropout, has been booked under the Official Secrets Act and for forgery under the Indian Penal Code. He is in police custody until December 20. “From his residence we seized a manual in English on communications and tactics meant for Islamic terror organisations and groups, which is not available on the Internet or in the public domain. He was also in possession of telephone numbers of senior officials, defence establishments and vital installations that are for restricted use only. ..” Roy said.
16/12/10 Indian Exptress

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Categories: Foreign Dec 2010, Safety Dec 2010