Jaipur, March 27 (NationPress) In a significant development, the Rajasthan Police have dismantled a suspected espionage operation allegedly connected to a terrorist based in Pakistan. A young man accused of conducting reconnaissance across several states and disseminating sensitive videos has been apprehended, according to police sources on Friday.

The arrested individual, identified as Akashdeep (20), hailing from Chak Kera and originally from Village 12 H under the jurisdiction of Kesrisinghpur police station, was taken into custody by Lalgarh Jatan police. He is accused of maintaining communication with Shahzad Bhatti, a terrorist operating from Pakistan, through various social media platforms.

District Superintendent of Police Hari Shankar emphasized that due to the district's location near the international boundary, intelligence activities are under constant scrutiny. Upon receiving specific intelligence regarding suspicious behavior, police launched an investigation that indicated Akashdeep's regular communication with Pakistani phone numbers (+92) via Instagram and WhatsApp, including voice conversations.

During questioning, Akashdeep admitted to surveilling significant locations across Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, Chandigarh, and Ambala (Haryana) on the orders of Bhatti.

He reportedly recorded videos of crowded and strategically vital areas and transmitted these clips to Pakistan via WhatsApp, along with details on accessing these locations.

Law enforcement officials seized the suspect's mobile device and SIM card, uncovering conversations with multiple suspicious contacts based in Pakistan. Investigators also discovered an AI-altered image where Akashdeep had digitally inserted himself alongside the terrorist, presumably to instill fear among local residents.

Station House Officer Gurmel Singh characterized Akashdeep as having a criminal inclination, stating that he often intimidated villagers by boasting of connections to terrorists.

Authorities have indicated that the actions of the accused pose a serious threat to national security, sovereignty, and integrity, necessitating prompt intervention. A case has been registered under applicable laws, and further investigations are ongoing to identify the broader network.

This arrest follows a series of similar operations. On March 13, associates of Shahzad Bhatti were apprehended in Ambala, Haryana, where explosives were found, preventing a significant attack from occurring.

Just recently, on March 24, another associate was captured in Hanumangarh. Police suspect that the terrorist handler is managing an India-based network through digital and social media channels, and additional arrests are anticipated as the investigation progresses.