Mumbai: At the onset of Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Central Intelligence Apparatus has flagged suspicious activities involving Chinese intelligence operatives. Over the past few months, these operatives have been actively gathering state-wise and district-wise data on candidates, voters, influence patterns, voting possibilities, and major voter demographics under the guise of academic research for various institutions.

According to intelligence sources, this activity is not confined to Maharashtra alone; similar operations have been detected in Haryana and upcoming Jharkhand assamble election too. The agencies are reportedly conducting data collection efforts in these states as well, raising serious concerns about potential Chinese interference in the electoral process and the misuse of sensitive information under the pretense of research. Intelligence agencies are now on high alert and closely monitoring these developments to prevent any breaches of national security and electoral integrity.

Official sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, have revealed that The intel revealed that Chinese security agencies efforts to access election- related information, including phase-wise election details, finalized candidates from political and regional parties, their potential impact, reasons for candidate selections, party funding, and survey and poll data. This data is highly valuable, as it plays a critical role in shaping pre-election strategies and influencing voter behavior. Chinese operatives have allegedly established contacts with private agencies and contractors involved in collecting and analyzing election data. They are reportedly trying to acquire critical information such as election result forecasts, which could be used to manipulate or influence electoral outcomes.

These revelations have sparked serious concerns over foreign interference in India’s democratic process. Officials says that such manipulation could distort public opinion, influence electoral outcomes, or be used to target specific voter segments, posing a significant threat to the integrity of the elections.

According to intel, these Chinese security entities were first detected during the Lok Sabha elections. Since then, Indian security agencies have been closely monitoring agents linked to Chinese security networks. Just before the Lok Sabha elections, these entities were actively reaching out to influencers, journalists, and academicians, encouraging them to produce content favorable to Chinese interests .Their focus was reportedly on influencing narratives against the central government led by Narendra Modi and undermining its policies.

In the current assembly elections, it appears that Chinese intelligence has once again found ingredients of covert operations aimed at influencing the local to national media landscape. This involves shaping narratives to create narratives that could potentially be unfavorable to the state ruling party, which is also in power at the center.

Infiltration Attempts in Defence Sector

The intelligence report further reveals a disturbing trend of Chinese entities trying to establish connections with private contractors who supply defense equipment to the Indian Armed Forces. “These foreign agents were not only in contact with influencers but were also attempting to access sensitive information through defense contractors.

This information, if compromised, could reveal critical details about India's defense procurement processes and military capabilities, posing a significant threat to national security.

Journalists Writing on Defence Matters Targeted

The intelligence also points out that journalists covering defense topics are under particular scrutiny. Chinese entities have reportedly tried to cultivate relationships with journalists who regularly report on India’s defense policies, aiming to influence their coverage. By controlling the narrative on India's

The authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance to counter these covert operations and safeguard national security and electoral integrity. ahead of a crucial election cycle. With Chinese influence operations expanding into India’s political, defense, and media spaces.

“We are closely monitoring foreign entities' interactions with key Indian individuals and sectors,” the Senior officer stated, adding that countermeasures are being put in place to thwart these efforts.

The report comes at a time when India is strengthening its strategic stance in the Indo-Pacific region, and growing tensions with China make these revelations all the more concerning. Intelligence agencies have warned that these covert efforts by China may escalate as the election draws nearer, with the ultimate goal of weakening India’s global standing and national security.