Pakistan-ISI espionage module busted (Image: Internet)
New Delhi: The Special Cell of Delhi Police has busted an alleged Pakistan-backed espionage and terror module operating across multiple states, officials said on Friday.
A total of 11 accused have been arrested in coordinated operations, uncovering a network involved in surveillance, arms smuggling and reconnaissance of sensitive defence locations.
Investigators revealed that the module had installed solar-powered CCTV cameras at strategic locations to monitor troop movement. These cameras were fitted with SIM cards and transmitted real-time footage to handlers based in Pakistan.
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According to Additional CP Pramod Singh Kushwah, at least nine such devices were recovered from areas including Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Pathankot, Patiala and Moga in Punjab, along with locations in Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan.
Officials said these areas are considered highly sensitive due to their proximity to borders and the presence of key military installations.
The probe has also indicated links to the banned outfit Babbar Khalsa International. Police said the module was working under instructions from handlers linked to Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
The accused were allegedly tasked with capturing visuals of Army cantonments, tracking troop movement and sharing sensitive information through encrypted communication channels.
The crackdown was carried out in two phases. In the first operation, six accused were arrested from Punjab and Delhi, with police recovering nine CCTV cameras, four pistols including foreign-made weapons and 24 live cartridges.
In the second phase, five more accused were arrested based on inputs from Military Intelligence. These individuals were reportedly involved in reconnaissance activities and sharing visuals of security installations.
During interrogation, the accused allegedly revealed they were recruited through financial incentives linked to cross-border arms and narcotics smuggling. They were also tasked with arranging logistics such as SIM cards and installing surveillance equipment.
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One of the key accused, Manpreet Singh, was reportedly in direct contact with handlers in Pakistan and played a central role in coordinating operations.
Police said the module was also planning potential attacks on security establishments. The use of solar-powered devices allowed continuous surveillance even in remote areas, making detection difficult.
Officials are now analysing digital evidence to identify further links and possible sleeper cells. Investigations remain ongoing.
