New Delhi: Indian authorities have dismantled an espionage network with direct links to Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), uncovering a sophisticated operation that used a grid of solar-powered CCTV cameras to remotely monitor the real-time movements of Indian Army personnel across strategically sensitive locations in northern India.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the surveillance network was strategically deployed in key cities including Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Pathankot, Patiala, and Moga in Punjab, Ambala in Haryana, Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir, and Bikaner and Alwar in Rajasthan. These locations were chosen due to their proximity to Army cantonments, the international border, and their significance as major troop movement and logistics corridors.
The arrested individuals, numbering eleven, were involved in espionage, arms smuggling, and reconnaissance activities. Police reports indicate that the covertly installed cameras were positioned to capture activities near military installations, highways used for troop mobilisation, and border-linked infrastructure. The devices transmitted live footage directly to handlers in Pakistan, enabling them to observe Indian Army movements in real-time.
The module was busted by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police in a coordinated operation. The accused have been identified as Manpreet Singh from Tarn Taran, Punjab; Anmol and Sahil from Firozpur, Punjab; Atul Rathee, Rohit, and Ajay from Delhi; Gurjeet from Kapurthala; Rimpledeep from Fazilka; Salwinder alias Kalu and Boota Singh from Fazilka, Punjab; and Harpreet from Moga, Punjab.
Investigators revealed that the network operated under the direct instructions of the ISI, with operatives tasked with installing surveillance equipment and relaying sensitive visual information. The use of solar-powered CCTV cameras ensured uninterrupted surveillance, even in remote areas with limited access, making detection challenging and allowing the network to function continuously without conventional power sources.
Explaining the technical aspects, Additional Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Pramod Singh Kushwah stated, “The cameras were fitted with SIM cards procured using fake identities and were linked to mobile applications, enabling seamless real-time transmission of footage across the border.” The accused had conducted thorough reconnaissance to select vantage points offering clear visibility of Army cantonments, border roads, and security force movement routes.
The collected footage was then analyzed by handlers in Pakistan to identify patterns, assess vulnerabilities, and potentially plan future operations. The officer emphasized that the objective extended beyond passive surveillance, aiming for strategic monitoring of defense movement patterns over time, which could be utilized for planning militant strikes or facilitating cross-border operations.
The crackdown was executed in two phases. The first operation led to the arrest of six accused from Punjab and Delhi, with the recovery of nine CCTV cameras, four pistols (including three foreign-made), and 24 live cartridges. The second phase, based on intelligence from military intelligence, resulted in the apprehension of five more operatives actively engaged in reconnaissance and data sharing.
Manpreet Singh, a key accused from Punjab with a BCA degree, reportedly maintained direct contact with Pakistan-based handlers, coordinating communication and facilitating the movement of illegal arms. Other operatives were responsible for the physical installation and maintenance of the camera network on the ground. Security agencies are currently examining digital evidence, including mobile phones and data retrieved from the CCTV systems, to identify further links and potential sleeper cells.
The police have shared profiles of the accused, detailing their alleged roles and backgrounds. Manpreet Singh allegedly contacted handlers through an encrypted app. Anmol and Sahil, engaged in wallpaper pasting work, are accused of installing cameras at nine locations. Atul Rathee, who holds a Master’s degree in business from New Zealand, reportedly received foreign-made pistols. Rohit, also with a Master’s degree in business, allegedly accompanied Rathee to receive arms. Ajay, a graduate, is accused of receiving a country-made pistol.
Gurjeet Singh, who contacted Pakistani handlers through a cousin involved in cross-border narco smuggling, is accused of conducting reconnaissance of Army Cantt and sharing sensitive information. Rimpledeep Singh allegedly collected and shared images and videos of Army and BSF camps. Harpreet Singh alias Happy allegedly facilitated drug trafficking and planned camera installations. Salwinder Singh alias Kalu, a DJ operator, is accused of assisting in reconnaissance and sharing sensitive visuals. Boota Singh was allegedly involved in cross-border narcotics smuggling.
The bust is believed to have averted a significant security threat, with indications that the module was also exploring plans to target security establishments using explosives. The integration of espionage with arms trafficking and potential terror planning points to a larger, well-coordinated conspiracy backed by external elements. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities not ruling out further arrests.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
