CBI Exposes Police Misconduct in 1994 ISRO Espionage Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested former Maldivian actress Fauziyya Hassan and Maryam Rasheeda for allegedly denying an immoral relationship with an Indian policeman. These arrests were part of a convoluted case dating back to 1994, which involved accusations of espionage and misconduct by Indian law enforcement.

In 1994, Maryam Raseeda and Fauziyya Hassan were accused of spying for Pakistan in collaboration with officials from the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). However, they were released three years later due to a lack of evidence. Following their release, both women sought compensation from the Indian government for their wrongful arrest.

Following a Supreme Court order in 2021, the CBI disclosed that the women had been framed by Kerala Special Branch officer Vijayan, now retired, for rejecting an illicit relationship he proposed to Maryam Rasheeda. When Rasheeda threatened to report the incident, Vijayan seized her travel documents and ticket, preventing her from leaving India. This led to the wrongful arrest and framing of Fauziyya Hassan and an ISRO scientist who was an acquaintance of Fauziyya, along with Rasheeda, on espionage charges.

Maryam Rasheeda's initial arrest was for overstaying her visa, but the CBI clarified that she had been prevented from leaving the country by the police officer while her visa was still valid. The investigation concluded that all the individuals arrested in the case had been falsely implicated, and no evidence was found to support the espionage allegations.

The CBI also recommended legal action against the officers involved in framing Fauziyya Hassan and Maryam Rasheeda. This case underscores the need for accountability and justice in instances of wrongful arrest and abuse of power, highlighting serious issues within the Indian legal and law enforcement systems.