Mumbai, April 2 (IANS) Maharashtra has been placed on high alert following revelations that a Ghaziabad-based ISI espionage module had links within the state, prompting the government to initiate a major overhaul of its security infrastructure.

According to Maharashtra Home department officials, a recent high-level review meeting revealed that the espionage network had managed to breach security at at least five highly sensitive locations across Maharashtra. Although security agencies were able to identify and sanitise these sites in time, the incident has triggered serious concern within the state administration.

A senior official stated that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a comprehensive review of CCTV surveillance systems installed across Maharashtra. The Chief Minister has also made it clear that the state government will impose a complete ban on the procurement of CCTV equipment from Chinese companies, citing potential security risks.

As part of immediate precautionary measures, CM Fadnavis has directed authorities to conduct detailed inspections of cameras installed at critical and sensitive locations. Any equipment found to pose a potential threat, particularly that of Chinese origin, will be removed and replaced with secure alternatives.

Investigations into the espionage module revealed that one of the accused had been residing in Uran, near Nhava Sheva Port, under the guise of a daily wage labourer. Authorities suspect that members of the network carried out reconnaissance activities at key installations in Mumbai, including naval bases and the airport.

The probe further uncovered that the module was using advanced surveillance tools such as solar-powered, SIM card-operated standalone cameras. These devices were allegedly transmitting live video footage and GPS coordinates to handlers based in Pakistan.

In response, the state Home Department is drafting a new CCTV policy aimed at tightening surveillance protocols. Under the proposed rules, government agencies such as the BMC and MMRDA will be required to obtain a police No Objection Certificate (NOC) before installing any CCTV systems, ensuring that only secure and verified hardware is deployed.

Additionally, the government is considering integrating private surveillance networks into the broader security grid. Housing societies may soon be mandated to share live feeds from cameras installed outside their premises with law enforcement agencies.

Officials believe these measures will not only safeguard sensitive data but also significantly strengthen Maharashtra’s surveillance capabilities, enabling authorities to swiftly detect and counter any future threats of foreign intrusion or data breaches.

–IANS

jk/dpb