71 spies arrested in India in the last four years

As many as 71 spies were arrested by security forces from different parts of the country in the last four years, Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.

Twenty six espionage agents were arrested in 2009, 18 in 2010, 14 in 2011 and 13 till November 21 this year, Minister of State for Home R P N Singh said in a written reply.

Of them, five were neutralised in Bihar and three were found to have been involved in criminal activities in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Delhi.

Replying to another question, the Minister said various terrorist groups, including Lashkar-e-Tayiba, Indian Mujahideen and Jaish-e-Mohammed are engaged in terrorist activities in the country.

"As per available information, militants/terrorists active in India are often supported by their parent outfits based abroad, particularly in Pakistan," he said.

Singh said other terrorists outfits which are active in India include Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, Al-Umma, Al Badr, Harkat-ul-Jehadi-Islami, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Babbar Khalsa

International, Khalistan Zindabad Force and Khalistan Tiger Force.

In response to another question, Singh said Bengaluru Central Crime Branch and ATS Aurangabad, Maharashtra busted a terror module in Karnataka with the arrest of 18 persons recently.

"The group was planning to target political leaders and media persons. They were also planning to commit robberies in Hubli for raising funds for carrying out terrorist activities," he said.