Punjab Police Uncover Espionage Network: Man Accused of Transmitting Army Movement Footage to Pakistan
Punjab Police have dismantled a suspected espionage network in the region, apprehending an individual accused of relaying sensitive information about the movements of Indian Army and paramilitary forces to handlers in Pakistan.
The suspect, identified as Baljit Singh, also known as Bittu, hails from Chakk Dhariwal village in Pathankot district. He allegedly set up an internet-based CCTV camera at a shop near a bridge along the Pathankot-Jammu section of National Highway-44 to observe the movement of troops and vehicles.
Senior police officer Daljinder Singh Dhillon reported that the surveillance footage was electronically sent to operatives and handlers located in Pakistan.
During questioning, Baljit Singh is said to have admitted to installing the camera near Sujanpur in January 2026, following directives from an unknown contact in Dubai. Police stated he purportedly received ₹40,000 for this task.
Authorities retrieved the CCTV camera and an internet WiFi router from his possession.
Prompted by intelligence regarding suspicious activity along the vital highway, Sujanpur Police filed a case against four individuals: Baljit Singh (alias Bittu), Vikramjit Singh (alias Vikka), Balwinder Singh (alias Vicky), and Taranpreet Singh (alias Tannu).
Police officials are actively investigating to uncover cross-border connections, determine funding sources, and reveal the broader espionage network. Raids are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects.
This recent arrest is part of a broader effort by Punjab authorities to counter suspected espionage activities supported by Pakistan.
Last month, Punjab Police reportedly dismantled two espionage networks with alleged ties to Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI). These networks utilized Chinese-made solar-powered CCTV cameras with 4G capabilities to monitor sensitive military sites.
According to Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, these cameras were strategically placed near defense-related areas and transmitted live footage to handlers in Pakistan through mobile applications.
Officials stated that the ongoing investigation seeks to establish potential links between the Pathankot module and previous espionage cases involving surveillance near military installations in Punjab.
