Gurugram Lawyer Arrested: The Pakistan ISI Connection and Rs 41 Lakh Hawala Money Trail

Investigating agencies have uncovered suspicious financial transactions on the laptop and mobile phone of Rizwan, the Gurugram-based lawyer.

The attorney arrested for allegedly engaging in espionage activities and transmitting information to Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI maintained two separate bank accounts and made seven trips to Amritsar for collecting funds, according to revelations from his legal associate Musharraf (also known as Parvez), who was temporarily detained during the investigation.

Musharraf informed authorities that his friendship with Rizwan developed during their 2022 internship period at the Sohna court. Subsequently, Musharraf established his practice in Nuh court while Rizwan operated from Gurugram court. Despite working in different locations, they maintained regular professional collaboration and socialized together frequently.

In his statement to police, Musharraf disclosed that he and Rizwan traveled together to the Amritsar Wagah border in July using his vehicle. During their visit to the Golden Temple, Rizwan reportedly received a bag containing money from unidentified individuals on a two-wheeler. Their return journey was disrupted by an automobile accident in Amritsar, compelling them to abandon the damaged vehicle and continue their journey by train.

Musharraf further stated that both attorneys returned to Amritsar on August 1 to retrieve his damaged automobile. While lodging at an Amritsar hotel that evening, Rizwan departed during nighttime hours, explaining he was going to collect money.

Interrogation findings revealed Rizwan's seven journeys to Amritsar specifically to collect funds from individuals driving Scorpio and Skoda vehicles. Rizwan has acknowledged receiving cash totaling Rs 41 lakh, which he subsequently delivered to an individual identified as Ajay Arora.

The investigation also uncovered that Rizwan maintained accounts with Punjab National Bank in Tauru and IndusInd Bank in Sohna.

Officials reported that the Punjab National Bank account was terminated several months ago for exceeding established limits. This suggests substantial hawala transactions were processed through his account from Pakistani handlers, with significant portions allegedly directed toward strengthening terrorist networks operating in Punjab.

Musharraf claimed no knowledge regarding the exact financial amounts deposited into Rizwan's accounts.

Law enforcement agencies have discovered questionable financial transactions during examination of Rizwan's electronic devices.

Investigators noted that Musharraf and Rizwan communicated via telephone shortly before the latter's apprehension. Though initially detained by Nuh police, Musharraf was released four days later when investigating agencies failed to establish evidential connections to espionage activities.

The Nuh Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating Pakistani espionage operations has apprehended three additional suspects from Amritsar: Sandeep Singh (alias Gagan), Amandeep Singh, and Jaskaran Singh. These individuals allegedly facilitated the transfer of substantial funds from Pakistani handlers to Rizwan through hawala channels, financing anti-national activities throughout Punjab.

Multiple Nuh police teams continue conducting raids across Punjab in relation to this ongoing investigation.

(With inputs from Ankur Kapoor)