Indian investigating agencies are probing a sophisticated ISI-backed network operating out of Dubai that is reportedly fuelling the Khalistan movement in India, with a sharp focus on surveillance and recruitment activities across Punjab. The Dubai module, according to officials, is designed to sever any traceable link back to Pakistan — a deliberate operational shift by the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in recent months.

How the Dubai Module Operates

The network is said to function by directing ground-level operatives in Punjab to rent spaces near sensitive locations and install Wi-Fi-enabled surveillance cameras. Live footage from these cameras is then streamed directly to handlers based in Dubai and Pakistan, according to investigation findings. The Punjab Police recently arrested three individuals who were confirmed to be transmitting live feeds to these overseas handlers.

An Intelligence Bureau official noted that the Dubai module bears a strong resemblance to an earlier operation run by Shehzad Bhatti, with both networks centred on real-time intelligence gathering from sensitive sites and active recruitment of local youth. Officials say the ISI is deliberately routing operations through Dubai to keep Pakistani fingerprints off the activity.

The Rashpal Singh Arrest and the Baddowal Cantonment Link

The most significant recent breakthrough came with the arrest of Rashpal Singh by the Punjab Police. Investigators found that Singh had installed Wi-Fi-enabled cameras approximately six kilometres from the Baddowal Cantonment in Punjab. He was reportedly collecting and transmitting sensitive location data to a Dubai-based handler, and had also been instructed to recruit young men for similar surveillance operations elsewhere in the state.

According to officials, the intelligence gathered through such networks was intended to help the ISI identify targets for a major terrorist attack in Punjab, particularly near sensitive military or strategic locations.

Shift from Canada to Dubai

Khalistan-linked activity was previously promoted largely from Canada. However, following a crackdown by Canadian authorities on such elements, the ISI reportedly decided to relocate operations to Dubai, where oversight of these groups is reportedly less intense. Officials warn that the ISI is looking to establish multiple such foreign modules to give Khalistan-linked operatives room to function without attracting the attention of Indian intelligence agencies.

Drugs, Funding, and Escalating Recruitment

Beyond surveillance, officials say Khalistani groups are also pushing large quantities of drugs into Punjab, with the proceeds allegedly being channelled to fund the movement. The ISI has reportedly directed these groups to invest heavily in recruitment. Officials describe this as a 'turning phase' in the movement, warning of heightened activity in the months ahead.

Punjab Police are now closely examining the links between state-based operatives and the individual believed to be running the Dubai module — who, according to officials, is himself originally from Punjab. Cracking this connection, investigators say, is critical to containing both the intelligence leaks and the recruitment pipeline.