Why Was a Bengal Man Detained While Attempting to Cross the India-Pakistan Border?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BSF detains suspect attempting border crossing.
- Rising espionage activities in Jaisalmer.
- Individual's claims under scrutiny.
- Joint Investigation Committee involved in case.
- Increased border surveillance implemented.
Jaipur, Sep 4 (NationPress) The Border Security Force (BSF) has apprehended a 30-year-old individual from West Bengal in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, who was reportedly attempting to illegally cross into Pakistan.
Authorities confirmed that the man, named Lalchand Sheikh, hailing from Bardhaman district in West Bengal, was noticed on Wednesday evening in the Pochina area, situated approximately 15 kilometers from the international boundary in Rajasthan.
Upon being intercepted, Sheikh was unable to furnish a credible explanation for his presence near the border. Due to his suspicious behavior, BSF operatives transferred him to the Myajlar police station for further questioning.
During the interrogation, Sheikh allegedly disclosed that he was attempting to reach Saudi Arabia via Pakistan, claiming his brother is employed there as a laborer. However, in light of a recent surge in espionage and infiltration incidents in Jaisalmer, investigative agencies are scrutinizing his statement closely.
He is set to be handed over to the Joint Investigation Committee (JIC) for an in-depth inquiry, where his background, associations, and potential connections to anti-national factions will be thoroughly investigated.
Security forces are on high alert, especially as Jaisalmer has experienced numerous espionage cases this year.
On March 26, Rajasthan Intelligence apprehended Pathan Khan near the Chandan Field Firing Range under the Official Secrets Act, just ahead of the Pahalgam terror attack.
On May 28, intelligence operatives detained Shakoor Khan, a government employee and aide to former Congress Minister Saleh Mohammad, on allegations of espionage for Pakistan. He was officially arrested on June 3.
More recently, on August 4, Mahendra Prasad, the manager of a DRDO guest house in Jaisalmer, was caught disseminating sensitive information about the Indian Army to a Pakistani operative.
Officials emphasized that although Sheikh has cited personal motives for his attempted border crossing, all potential angles, including espionage and connections to cross-border handlers, are under investigation. This arrest highlights that despite intensified operations such as 'Operation Sindoor', the region remains a focal point for spying and illegal cross-border activities, necessitating ongoing vigilance, according to officials.
Security agencies have intensified surveillance along the Pakistan border adjacent to Rajasthan following Operation Sindoor.