Is Youth in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar Spying for ISI?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Prakash Singh apprehended for alleged spying.
- Connected with ISI via WhatsApp.
- Reportedly sent sensitive military information.
- Investigation ongoing for possible accomplices.
- Case registered under the Official Secrets Act, 1923.
Jaipur, Dec 1 (NationPress) In a significant development, the CID Intelligence Wing of the Rajasthan Police has apprehended a 34-year-old man from Punjab in the Sri Ganganagar district for allegedly engaging in espionage for Pakistan's intelligence agency, the ISI, as reported by officials on Monday.
The suspect, identified as Prakash Singh alias Badal, hails from Ferozepur in Punjab.
He was caught while loitering near a sensitive military zone in Sri Ganganagar.
Officials revealed that the accused had been transmitting images and videos to Pakistan while also surveilling the movements of the Indian Army.
CID Intelligence Inspector General of Police (IGP), Praful Kumar, stated that Prakash Singh, originally from Bhamba Haji village in Ferozepur, maintained ongoing communication with ISI operatives in Pakistan via social media, predominantly on WhatsApp.
The IGP added, "The youth had been connected with the ISI since the era of Operation Sindoor. He transmitted images and videos showcasing the Army's operations in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Gujarat — including vehicle movements, military installations, bridges, roads, railway lines close to the boundary, and recent construction activities."
According to IGP Kumar, Badal had set up WhatsApp accounts using the mobile numbers of others by acquiring their OTPs.
These accounts were utilized by Pakistani agents for espionage and other anti-national activities, for which Badal received significant payments.
On November 27, authorities reported suspicious activities near the Sadhuwali military area in Sri Ganganagar.
The Border Intelligence Team detained the suspect.
Upon examining Badal's phone, chats with various Pakistani contacts were uncovered.
He was subsequently taken to the Joint Interrogation Centre in Sri Ganganagar and later transferred to Jaipur, where multiple intelligence agencies interrogated him.
Digital evidence corroborated his espionage efforts.
Ultimately, on December 1, a case was filed under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, at the Special Police Station in Jaipur, leading to Prakash Singh alias Badal's formal arrest.
The investigation is ongoing to uncover potential links to other individuals in Rajasthan and Punjab associated with the accused's network.