The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Gujarat Police has arrested an individual named Pankaj Kotiya from Porbandar on suspicion of sharing sensitive information with a Pakistani contact.
The accused, identified as Pankaj Kotiya, reportedly gathered intelligence on coastal security operations, including the Indian Coast Guard, and relayed details regarding their deployment, positioning and other classified information to contacts across the border.
Gujarat ATS Superintendent of Police K. Siddharth stated, “Gujarat ATS has registered a case of espionage today. We received information that an individual named Pankaj Kotiya was transmitting sensitive details from Porbandar to Pakistan. Consequently, a specialised team was formed to conduct an initial investigation, during which the suspect was questioned, and his mobile phone seized and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). The investigation revealed that Kotiya was in contact with a Pakistani woman, identified as Riya, to whom he regularly passed sensitive information on Coast Guard vessels and their activities.”
Kotiya is reported to have maintained contact with Riya over the last eight months, communicating every two to three days. During this period, he allegedly received a total of Rs 26,000 from 11 different bank accounts, raising suspicion that the information sharing was financially motivated. The ATS has registered a case under Sections 61 and 148 of the Official Secrets Act, recognising this as an act of espionage against the Government of India.
Further investigations have indicated that Kotiya, employed in a tobacco factory, first connected with Riya via social media in February. According to SP Siddharth, “This is not believed to be a case of a honey trap; rather, he appears to have been motivated by financial gain. Riya reportedly identified herself as an agent working for the Pakistan Navy, and Kotiya was aware that he was providing information to a Pakistani naval officer.”
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