New Findings Reveal Police-backed Hackers Planted Evidence on Jailed Indian Priest

In 2021, an 84-year-old Jesuit priest named Stan Swamy died at a New Delhi hospital after being locked up for eight months. Father Stan Swamy was put to jail by Indian authorities on terrorism charges and denied bail despite several pleas.

Recent reports tell us that experts have uncovered evidence that what happened to the priest was a set-up. Digital forensics experts indicate that a hacker may have infiltrated the defendant's device and planted evidence.

Recent Developments

The Bhima Koregaon 16 case, in which hackers planted fake evidence on the computers of two Indian human rights activists, has been rolling for some time now. And this time, it looks like investigations are nearing to find complete answers.

A forensics team found indications that the hackers fabricated evidence on the hard drive of a prominent defendant in the case, who eventually passed away in custody, as well as new hints that they were working with the local police investigating him.

According to Wired, the Boston-based forensics firm Arsenal Consulting, assisting the defendants in the Bhima Koregaon case, just published a new report outlining their examination of Stan Swamy's hard drive.

Arsenal has learned that the data obtained on Swamy's computer was created by the same hackers who were found putting evidence on Surendra Gadling and Rona Wilson, two other defendants in the case.

Furthermore, just a day before Swamy's computer was seized in 2019. The firm encountered new evidence of the hackers' attempt to undo their tampering and cover their tracks. This suggests that the digital intruders were aware of the impending raid and seizure and were working with the Pune police officers who carried it out.

The new findings provide insight into a case that gripped the country. According to civil society groups, it is a terrifying example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government's harassment of human rights defenders. Swamy fought for the rights of tribal youths accused of being Maoists in central India before police charged him with the same offense.

What Happened

The Washington Post states that up until June 2019, Swamy was the victim of a comprehensive malware operation that lasted for over five years, the longest known duration for a defendant.

During that time, the hacker had all access to and control over his computer, placing several files secretly into a hidden folder.

In what is known as the Bhima Koregaon case, the police have used these documents, which are fabricated letters between the defendants and the Maoist organization, as evidence against Swamy and others.

Given the defendants' old age and poor health, international human rights organizations and United Nations experts have repeatedly urged the Indian government to release them. But to no avail.

Eleven of the 16 Bhima Koregaon accused are still incarcerated. Three of them were granted bail, and one was placed under home arrest. Pune City officials have ignored any inquiries in this regard.