The man, identfied as Muhammad Raees, lived in Tarabganj area of Gonda. He was approached by a man named Armaan who ‘insitgated’ him by talking about the treatment of Muslims in India.

Raees has told police that he was facing economic hardship and was looking for work. He was considering going to Saudi Arabia for work when Armaan brought another opportunity.

He offered to put Raees in contact with someone from Pakistani intelligence and said he would receive generous sums in return for information about military installments.

In 2022 he received a call from a man named Hussain, allegedly a Pakistani operative and began working. He also reoped in his friends and was paid Rs15,000 for his efforts.

Authorities said that Raees has already confessed to his crimes and has been charged under multiple sections including the official secrets act.